Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Holding on and letting Go

I've been studying the life of Abraham in my morning times. What really hit me today was the role of separation in Abraham's life.

In Genesis 12:1 God asks Him to leave his country, his people, & his father's household to go to the land that God would show him. Then in Genesis 13:5-17, right after Abraham separates from his nephew with whom he had originally left his homeland, God gives Abraham another statement of His promise to Abraham. Then in Genesis 22:1-18 when Abraham showed himself willing to separate from his beloved son, to give His son as a sacrifice, God again spoke of His promises to Abraham.

It seems that that Abraham could not experience the blessings of God if he chose to hold onto his old life. He had to let go and move forward with God to experience God's blessings.

I'm trying to figure out what God wants me to do with regard to my work situation. If I should go back to school for my MBA, if God wants to continue to bless me in my current type of work, or if He wants me to step out into something completely different. I'm having difficulty hearing what God wants me to do.

So I'm wondering if it's because I'm holding on too tightly to my former way of life, if there's something different God wants me to be embracing. I'm praying that I'll be sensitive to what He wants to show me.

How about you, are you holding onto anything in your life with such a tight grip that it's keeping you from experiencing the blessings God wants to give you?

6 comments:

photogr said...

Tracy:

Perhaps you are on the wrong frequency with God. I would think He in His own time will lead you in the right direction. Patience.

I will have to think there are a few things holding me up in getting His blessings He wants to give me.

Duane Scott said...

Yes.

My youth. I know that's a weird thing to say, but it's true. I don't ever want to be "grown up" so I'm not fully allowing God to use me the way He wants to.

Thanks for making me think!

Michelle said...

I think there are always things we need to let go of to experience more of God. (Hence, "Losing" Michelle.)

I pray that you find the answers you need. While I was reading I couldn't help but remember David and how he turned to the Lord at each decision he needed to make. I couldn't help but think...I wish God would answer us this way. Find peace in that God will take you where He wants you to be and use you how He wants to use you. Rest in that His will will be done.

Victor S E Moubarak said...

"I'm having difficulty hearing what God wants me to do."

In my experience, when this happens it means He is saying "Wait."

I wait and pray and pray ... eventually, all becomes clear.

Praying for you God bless.

David-FireAndGrace said...

Hearing God for ourselves isn't always easy. Some time we expect a sermon, or a daily devotion to "highlight" what we are supposed to do next.

Certainly a direct revelation, or impression when we are praying, or changing life circumstances that just seem right - that all makes it easy.

I also rely on others in the body to hear from God for me as well. With over 30 years in the church, I have made use of prophetically gifted folks who have had a word or dream interpretation which I got a witness to - and some significantly changed my life. Certainly praying, study, waiting, sermons, tapes, books, blogs, and the council of others are all part of our Heavenly arsenal. But intimacy with Jesus is the key - but you know that.

I am in the same struggle - thinking about a MBA in computer science to learn one more language to take me to retirement in 11 years. But yesterday I started researching an MDIV and DDIV online - so much more exciting - but my current life requires a substantial income and Mary Anne is not working. She is actually going back to school.

That said, tomorrow night I am going to a meeting with a seasoned prophet - who knows, maybe God will speak to me as He has in the past. If not, I keep on praying, listening and waiting.

Thanks for sharing.

JPaulaReed said...

Years ago someone said, "God always answers our prayers, always. Our prayers are answered in 1 of 3 ways: 1) Yes 2) No 3) Wait. Out of the three, #3 is always the most difficult, even more difficult that #2 because we must trust God, implicitly and whole-heartedly. I know how you're feeling, Tracy, because this is my current struggle. Just 2 years ago, job hunting was easier. As the necessity of a job is becoming a present reality, the hunt is more difficult, and my patience, trust and faith is being tested. Right now I thank God for college and a grant that fills the immediate need. God does provide, God will provide.

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