Did I hear God right? I had an anxiety-laden pit in my stomach. I thought I was going to be sick as I hit send. Even though I had no idea how it was going to turn out. Am I sure I heard Him right?
Releasing to God
After my April newsletter went out my inbox was flooded with emails from readers sharing their struggles and how hard it was to release things to God. Thank you to each person who shared their struggles with me. It was truly a gift for me to hear you and listen to the things holding you back from living a life of freedom in Christ.
Independence
Even though I am an “I do it myself and my way” kind of gal. My independent mindset is constantly trying to be broken with new, healthier habits, but this battle isn’t mine but God’s. As I prayed over each email and each concern, God shared it was time to turn this over to Him.
I turned over my need to be in control, releasing my fists that I held around my writing, my blog, and my ways. I was like Jacob and wrestled with Him at first, trying to convince God that my thought process was valid. My excuses were valid and so were the reasons why and what-ifs that followed.
God reminded me that He was in control. Above all He was the one that I was working for and on His behalf. That is to say, it was time to let Him lead. He reminded me that He blessed me with the gift of writing. As well as with life, not to worry that He had this.
Origin of Releasing to God Series
Who am I to argue with the creator of the world, yet I did. God, are you sure I heard you right? What if people don’t respond to the submission request, what if it fails? God’s response—what if it doesn’t?
This was the origin of the Releasing to God series. By all means there have been times when I held on so tightly to things that I manipulated, controlled, or outright refused because it wasn’t my way or out of my comfort zone.
Stepping Out in Faith
Meanwhile, I began praying for God to help me minister to the hearts of people who needed freedom from the chains that held them back. I laid it down at the foot of the cross. Surrendering my blog and my writing to Him to use, I was going to step out in faith obediently.
I began preparing a graphic with a whole lot of what-ifs, but constantly going back to God in prayer with “God it’s all you, it’s for your glory not my own. You are in control, not me. Whether I fall flat on my face and flounder or this draws people to you God, I know that you will use it for your good.”
Letting Go
Letting go, releasing things, and surrendering them to allow them to be outside out of control is hard, nerve-wracking, anxiety-laden, and scary.
But that sense of peace that you have when you let go, step out in faith, and know that no matter how this goes you are being obedient to Christ. It truly is the best feeling. A peace that surpasses all understanding.
When God Answers
This verse couldn’t have been clearer the day I was preparing for this series and it kept “popping” up in emails, text conversations, and IG reels. God wanted to make sure that I heard Him right. He has to remind me at times.
The response so far has been favorable and over the next several weeks I’m inviting you to hear the stories of my brothers and sisters in Christ who have turned over their hard stuff to God and allowed Him to work it for their good.
Struggles
I’ve had my own struggles with some of the stories, do I publish them or not? Is that the brand that I’m going for yet God meets me in these moments, reminding me that He is in control. I’ve laid out those requests to Him, at times surprised by His response “Yes, publish it. Somebody needs to hear this story.”
We are all human and fall short of God every single day. No matter how obedient I am to Him, I constantly struggle to take it back and make it mine because I pridefully think I can handle it better. Forgive me, Father, I’m a slow learner at this.
Sharing Your Own Story
As you read these stories, I’m praying with you that they will comfort, encourage, and inspire you to release the things holding you back from a life of freedom in Christ. If you are called to write your own story, you’ll find the submission guidelines here. I welcome you into this act of faith and freedom in Christ.
Prayer
Lord thank you for the ones who will read these stories and for those who wrote them. Lord, I ask that you bless them both, and may they submit their wills to you for Your glory and yours alone. I unfurl my hands, no longer clinging to the things that are holding me back from a close relationship with you. I want to obey your word, will, and plans for my life. Thank you, Father, in Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
This is Beautiful Friend! I enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to reading each one you write. God Bless you🥰
Thank you Lisa! Hope you have a blessed day.
I love this first article. God is in control of all things. This is such a perfect way for everyone to connect through Christ. Thank you!, Briana for trusting God and giving other people voices to share their story. God bless!
Tiffany, thank you so much for your encouragement. I am looking forward to the stories I’ll be sharing with everyone. They are beautiful!! May God Bless You!!!