by Carla Pollard
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”
Romans 12:2 (NIV).
As I opened the cabinet doors my eyes fell on the glassware my mother had accumulated over the years. It was an eclectic mix of both modern and antique. I recognized everyday pieces that functioned well and held up under the routine, but behind those pieces sat some extremely fragile glassware that at one time donned the shelves of my grandmother’s home.
My mother had died and I was left to sort through her things. Discarding what I considered of no value and cherishing that which was sentimental and priceless. I couldn’t help but feel like was I sorting through the remnants of her life. It was hard to face the fact that she wouldn’t be coming home, but it was time to move forward. So I sorted and I packed. Finally finished, I walked out of an empty apartment closing the door behind me, and headed off to the Goodwill store.
Sometimes God brings us to a place where we need to let go. We need to accept the fact that things have changed and our will is at odds with His.
Holding on to my mother’s things could never bring her home. She was in the presence of Jesus. Even though I desired for her to stay, God’s good will was for her to go.
Are you holding on to something that’s keeping you from accepting God’s good will? Could it be a relationship that’s not God’s best? Or maybe it’s an unfulfilled dream He’s calling you to lay aside? Perhaps it’s that expectation you’re holding on to for your children? Is God trying to transform your heart and mind to align with His good will for you? Has He brought you to the place where you need to pack up your desires and embrace His?
Just like I packed up even the most fragile of my mother’s belongings and took them to the Goodwill, we need to pack up our fragile dreams and desires and take them to the good will of our Heavenly Father, always keeping in mind He desires for us the very best.
Dear Lord, Help me place those hard-to-let-go-of desires in your loving hands. Forgive me for stubbornly wanting what I want and not releasing my will to yours. Thank you for allowing me to realize your desires are always better than mine. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Meditation Verse:
“… Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13b-14.
“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” Psalms 37:3-4.
Consider This:
Has something happened in your life that you’re not able to leave behind? Is Jesus asking you to lay it as His feet so that He can move you from your past toward your purpose?
If so, then Dear One, take it to Jesus once and for all; He has a wonderful future in store for His children.
Carla Pollard is a Bible teacher and Christian writer. She facilitates small group studies within Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Studies. She serves Compassion International as a child advocate. You may read more about Carla and her ministry or contact her to speak for your next event through her blog, Leading Women to New Heights, at www.carlagpollard.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carlagpollard
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Copyright © 2014, Carla Pollard, all rights reserved. Article reposted to Breath of Life Women’s Ministries with permission from the author. Images from Pinterest.
