SURRENDERING PARTICULAR OUTCOMES
Mary DeMuth
We can rest in knowing God perfectly understands the best outcomes for our lives. Paul teaches,“ And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns”( Philippians 1:6). He best knows how to hold us, even when things don’ t turn out the way we anticipated.
It’ s not hard to fixate on one particular thing we would like to see happen. We may feel our lives would be better if only we got that specific job. Or we’ d feel less anxious if a difficult relationship resolved. Or maybe we think we’ d be truly fulfilled if that ministry opportunity opened up. With anxiety reigning, it’ s no wonder we believe if that one conundrum was solved, our lives would sing. And yet, our minds naively hang our hopes on an outcome, and we forget that God is working in and through every circumstance, even when things don’ t go the way we wanted or planned.
During this season of surrender, we’ re working on letting go. But surrendering that thing you most want in the world is one of the most difficult acts of laying something down. Often when we solely place our hopes on an outcome, it reveals that idolatry is in play.
So, see this moment as an opportunity for God to search your heart. Ask yourself these questions to discern the deeper meaning of your longing:
• Why do I need this thing / event / decision to happen?
• What do I gain if this comes to pass?
• What do I lose if this happens?
• How does my relationship with God intersect this desire?
• How can I be faithful if this dream dies?
• What am I learning about myself and my prayer life through this longing?
• Have I left room for a creative solution?
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