Joy and StrengthSampel

 Letting Go

The world will tell you that the ultimate success is a big bank account, or being famous, or having a husband and kids. If we’re honest, though, many of us define success by our ability to either juggle all the demands of life or control what happens in our worlds. But the real test of success is our friendship with God and the depths to which we trust Him. 

I learned this firsthand. I’m a very motivated person and a really hard worker who gives 100 percent in whatever I do, so I’m used to ambitiously hunting down success. But there came a time in my life when I had to let go of trying to make success happen and start being available to what God had for me. That meant setting aside my desires to keep acting in order stay at home and be the primary caretaker of our kids.

The cry of the surrendered heart is “Here I am, God. Use me however You choose.” For people like me who prefer to be in control, reaching this place of surrender is as challenging as it sounds. But there is a big upside: Once you’re there, it takes the pressure off of success. You no longer have to be responsible for it. You can focus on being faithful, letting God handle the success of your efforts. 

He will, you know. And you’ll be able to be fully present to everything He is doing in you and through you.

You are the One who can be trusted with the depths of my dreams and desires. As I surrender control, increase my trust that You’ll work all things for what You know is best.