Getting to the Point

This past weekend, I was privileged to participate in a conference led by Priscilla Shirer. The whole thing was great and I'm sure I'll share more about the experience in the days to come, but one task she asked us to complete has gotten me over a difficult hurdle and I wanted to share what I learned.

During our final session, she gave us some tools to use when we are studying the Bible on our own. Then she gave us a verse and gave us a chance to use those tools. The verse was Colossians 3:1-3 and that's when the Lord spoke to my heart.

I have been hurting over a child's recent diagnosis of and treatment for cancer. I knew another little boy (her cousin) who died of brain cancer a few years ago. It has been difficult for me to cope with the knowledge that God sometimes says no, even when our prayer is on behalf of a child.

This passage, although contextually related to submitting to human regulations, brought a big issue into focus for me.

My thoughts need to focus on eternal things, not things of this earth. I need to remember my loved ones (and not-so-loved ones) in prayer, but then I need to trust God for the outcome. I need to let it go. There is no magical prayer formula we can pray and always receive the answer from God that we want.

If I truly believe God hears me when I call on Him, then, once I have prayed, the ball is in His court. I think I have been subconsciously guilty of the belief that if I stop wringing my hands in despair, then I have stopped caring. That is simply not true.

So, I will continue to pray for Taylor as new issues arise. I will pray for her family, her friends, for courage, strength, peace, even joy in the struggle; I will pray for the doctors and nurses who care for her; I will pray when circumstances grow difficult. Then I will let it go so He can do what He knows is best for Taylor and everyone involved.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Most of us know that portion of Galatians 5:1 by heart. Do we know the rest? "Stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." I wonder if this verse would apply to being severely burdened by worry? Matthew 11:28-30 tells us to come to Him and He will give us rest. His burden is light. If the burden weighs heavy upon me, it is not the burden God wants me to bear. He will take that burden on Himself if I will just let it go.

I'm letting it go.