Hello Friends,

The value in true submission is in the ability to trust the other person with everything we’ve got. Now that statement looks simple, but the truth is, it can be very difficult to actually completely trust someone else. It’s fun being in control of things. You can anticipate the next moves, with the full assurance that everything will work well together.

In January, while praying over the course of the year, I wanted God to give me a word that will show me what to look forward to. Well, I wasn’t exactly ready for what I got. Rather than writing out the plan for how the year will run its course, God told me to follow His will. Don’t make serious plans for yourself, just follow my lead. To my surprise, it actually really bothered me. I found myself waiting for instructions. Well, God truly knows me for whom I am. He knows that there is a possibility that I will just go straight to being worried about not knowing what will happen, so He made sure I dealt with that feeling that was getting ready to plague me—— Worry!!!

Let’s talk about worry today. Would you believe me if I told you that choosing to worry is a cop out? Yeah, me either. Who would have thought worrying about something is actually the easy way out? I thought about this for a long time, and it just simply made little sense. I mean, choosing to worry about that thing means I’m concerned enough about it right? You see, choosing to worry about something does not change the current situation. All it does is drain us in every way possible- physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. What I’ve come to find out is that it takes more effort to surrender than it takes to worry. Strange, isn’t it?

I think most of us like to be in control and plan every aspect of our lives. Because we’re the ones living the lives right? Surrendering is a whole different ball game. That means you agree to not being in the driver’s seat. We want to be behind the steering wheel, and when we run out of gas, we worry about how to fill up the tank. By surrendering, we are in the passenger seat. Even when the driver runs out of gas, he/she apologizes for taking up your time, and tries to make it up to you (where this applies). Doesn’t that sound appealing? You’re still kept in the loop, but you don’t have to figure things out on your own.

No wonder the Bible gives us so many reasons worry shouldn’t be an option. I understand that some situations seem out of our control and worry is an immediate response. But, you shouldn’t dwell too much on it. Hand over that situation to God and watch Him make ways where it seems impossible.

I don’t have the best track record with trusting God….. I’ve always known God to be wonderful and a good friend. I’m also a huge advocate of who He is, but I allowed difficulties stir me differently. That’s why I’d leave you with these scriptures that might help you scale through those situations that seem to bring you down.

• Romans 12:12- Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. (CEB)
• James 1:2-4 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested, it stirs up power within you to endure all things. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking (TPT).
• Galatians 5:1- It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (NIV). Now this one is a personal favorite of mine. When I caught this word, I understood the value of surrender and sacrifice.

I know this is a long post. Just one last thought, God gave me those scriptures on joy in times of worry because our first instinct as humans is to feel sad when things are not going our way. The Holy Spirit can give you a joy that passes all understanding through His Word. I hope this encourages you to search more of God’s Word concerning you. I really truly love you!!!

With exceeding love,

Mz_Ola.