Devotions Inspired By Beyond BlessedSample

LETTING GO
by Stacy Burnett 

Several years ago, my husband and I had a series of unexpected expenses pile up. Before we knew it, we’d racked up some debt. As we talked about ways to make extra money and pay it off, I suggested we sell some of our belongings. We’d be simplifying while also making money on the side; it seemed like a win-win. But as we prayed about it, we sensed the Lord leading us to give our things away and trust Him to provide for us. 

At first, this was a hard concept for me to grasp. I knew all our possessions belonged to the Lord, and we’re called to be wise stewards with both our belongings and money, so why would we give things away without asking anything in return? 

What I came to realize is I had a fear of letting go—even of the smallest things—because I was unsure I’d be able to get them if I needed them again. I also realized I had adopted a mindset of “get as much as I can now, because I may not be able to get it later!” So, I bought and kept things I didn’t need—just in case. Over time, our closets started to look more like storage units than places to hang our clothes. 

When we’re reluctant to part with our possessions because of what might happen in the future, what we often believe deep down is: “God, I can’t trust You enough to take care of me.” That’s actually a spirit of poverty. We allow ourselves to be bound by fear, when God wants us to walk and live in freedom and peace.

I recently saw a picture that beautifully illustrates this point. In it, a little girl is standing in front of Jesus clutching a little stuffed teddy bear in her arms. With tears in her eyes, she says, “But I love it!” All the while Jesus is gently telling her, “Just trust Me.” What the little girl can’t see is Jesus holding a huge stuffed teddy bear behind His back. He’s just waiting for her to trust Him, so He can give her more than she could ever imagine! 

I now know God wanted us to give our things away rather than sell them, because He wanted us to depend on Him and put our trust in His goodness and faithfulness to provide for us. After we obeyed the Lord and let things go, He provided opportunities for us to make extra money, and we were able to pay off all our debt. Let me tell you, there’s so much freedom and hope in obeying the Lord—even when it doesn’t make sense—rather than letting fear drive you into doing it your way. 

What are you holding onto that you need to let go? God loves you and wants to provide the very best for you. Just as He provided (and still provides) for us more than we could have ever imagined, He can do the same for you. You simply need to trust and obey Him, and then get ready to experience the abundance of His love and provision.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to remember that everything I have belongs to You. Give me the wisdom I need to be a good and faithful steward of all You’ve given me. I choose to put my full trust in You and believe You will provide for my every need. Thank You for loving me and taking care of me and my family, today and always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

MEMORY VERSE   
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” MATTHEW 6:33 (NLT)