Often, rushing into a situation and taking control feels like the natural thing to do. But hastiness can block what God wants to do in our lives.
Over the past few years, God has impressed these words upon my heart: “Watch and see what I will do.” I may know what I want to do — but what would Jesus do?
Remember the WWJD bracelets? What Would Jesus Do? And the response: HWLF — He Would Love First. They were a simple but powerful reminder to pause before reacting.
Why surrender is so hard
Surrender does not come easily. When we experience hurt or pain, our souls often rise up and want to take control. Perhaps you have been overlooked for a promotion. Maybe you received feedback that stung. Or you have been left out of a family gathering, or faced another loss.
Whatever it is, the urge to defend yourself and fix the problem is completely understandable. Yet here is something striking: Jesus never defended Himself.
The chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. Then Pilate asked Him again, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!” But Jesus still answered nothing, so Pilate marvelled.MARK 15:3–5 NKJV
Jesus let His Heavenly Father sort out His problems. That is a remarkable example of trust.
The gift of stepping back
Taking a step back and letting a situation breathe gives God the time and space to work on our behalf. It also gives us time to sit in His presence — to pause, and let Him in rather than shutting Him out.
When we bring our hurting hearts to God honestly, something beautiful can happen. We can be real about what we are thinking and feeling. And when we do, God tends to our hearts like a gardener who lovingly weeds, waters, sows, mulches, and fertilises his garden — so that it can grow and flourish, and we can become good soil.
A practical invitation
The next time you feel that urge to rush in and fix things, try this instead: pause. Breathe. Bring it to God. You do not have to have all the answers right now.
Trust that He sees what you cannot. Trust that He is already at work.
So step back — and watch and see what He will do.
Until next time,
Leisa
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OK, what would Jesus do?
my bandsaw’s given up the ghost.
Would He stay to see it through,
or just give it up as toast?
The bearing of the pully-wheel
is now badly out-of-round,
and if I must keep it real
I have to find some solid ground.
Replacement cannot be an option,
money’s tight, and so that ends,
and I think that Christ would caution
against lian from fair-weather friends.
Expedience is what I’ll bring;
a hammer, and just shim the thing.
Thank you, Leisa. I remember the WWJD bracelets, but somehow managed to miss the responses – HWLF!! Not sure how I missed those! 😀 #20
This is great Lisa! And a lesson to me to let my Heavenly Father sort my problems out perfectly rather than my imperfect attempts at doing it myself!
Love this, Leisa.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Sandra ❤️
Perfect. Stop and watch what God will do.
A wonderful reminder for today.
Blessings
Janis
A reminder for me also 😀
Oh, this was very encouraging to me. I have a family member who misjudged me, and every time that family member’s name comes up in conversation I want to defend myself. I need to remember that He Would Love First. I hope you have a lovely weekend. I am stopping by from FMF.
Thanks Jolene I can only imagine how hard it must be for you glad you stopped by ❤️