Overcoming Worry by Pete BriscoeSample

Leaning on His Leading

Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts. — Mother Teresa

It’s one thing to know about faith; it’s another to live by faith. How do we depend on Jesus in everyday life?

• Deliver the burden to God.
• Rest in Him.
• Depend on Him.
• And then do what He says in the power of the Spirit.

That’s it? That’s it.

Most of us can make it through the first three, but then we get stuck on the last one. The big question is always, “How do I know what Jesus is saying to me?”

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

God communicates however He desires, but starting with Scripture is always a good idea. We can also listen to friends and mentors—making sure to take their advice back to the Bible to see if it parallels.

God desires to communicate and has given His Spirit to guide you. Take your burden to Him. Trust that He knows. Depend upon Him for the resolution. And then act when you’re led to do so. That’s the beginning of great stories.

I once sat next to a couple who were in their 50s. He was a college professor and she was working in retail. Both had been burdened for their city and had taken that burden to God. “It’s hard for the incarcerated,” the wife told me. “When they’re released, they suddenly no longer live in community and are often totally alone.” In faith, the couple continued working their jobs and trusted that He’d let them know when it was time to do something. When we met, they were six months away from moving into a new, transitional community. “Our home will be a healthy, faith-filled community for them. We won’t give them a chance to feel alone.”

That’s just one story of one couple who delivered the burden to God, rested in Him, depended on Him, and then did what He said in the power of the Spirit.

This is the adventure of the Christian life, friends—where life gets excitingly out of our hands. What’s He doing in your story?

Lord, I can barely contain myself. The fact that You desire to give me guidance and lead me in an adventure of faith is more than I can handle. Let’s get started right now, Lord. I’ve been struggling. I’m turning this over to You and am going to wait for You to lead me. I’m depending upon You because You are faithful. Now, I’m listening for You, because You speak. Amen.

Reflection:

1. What worries do you need to bring before God today?
2. How has God shown grace to you in times of fear and worry?
3. How is God calling you to embrace the excitement of the Christian life, even in uncertain times?

Get more teaching from Pete with a daily devotion in your inbox.