Who do you think has a better vantage point and plan for your life?
Today’s Walk
We have had an incredibly hot and humid summer here on the East Coast this year. Stepping outside briefly this morning, the air was crisp. This was such a welcome surprise, so decided to take an early morning walk for a few miles. The walks create a blank canvas in my mind to enable reflection, daily prayers, and a sense of calm and peace. I put in the Apple AirPods, turned-on Word FM Christian music and ventured on my way.
Then It Hit Me, I’ve Been Holding Back
I wasn’t too far into the walk and began praying to God. In my mind and heart, I had this sense to ‘give Him the reins’. I’ve been more aware lately about holding back. Historically, I’ve always needed to be in control of my life, very strong-willed and clear directionally. I’ve been close to the Lord but holding back at the same time due to being afraid. The past (almost) two years have been very tragic for me with so much gone in life as a result. The fear was about losing even more if He had the reigns. Let me explain as this is important. You can love God and still be holding back. You can also know who God is and not have Him part of your life. Worst of all, you can reject the almighty God in totality for your life.
Holding Back – Why?
Why would I be holding back when everything good comes from God? In James 1:17 [NIV], “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Upon further reflection, it can only be concluded as a lack of trust and perhaps selfishness on my part. If I give Jesus the full reigns, what will need to be given up – my businesses, creative ventures, or be sent off to do missions work? That’s not a knock on any ministry. The bottom line is that I was just fearful He would ask me to do something that I wasn’t ready to do. In writing these honest words, I’m incredibly selfish! Lord, forgive me. This is not about me, it’s about God’s purpose for me and Him. God knows the desires of our hearts as well. He gave us our talents/gifts and can use them in many ways. He will work good things through our businesses, our jobs and our everyday lives if we allow Him to do so. It’s important to trust that ‘He has this’. He’s got the best map to get us to where we need to go.
Trust
God doesn’t want to be part of your life to make you miserable. He loves us so much and wants to be part of our lives and lead us. He has a divine vantage point and knows what is best for us. You can be ‘holding the reigns’ and have a terrific life. However, your life can be even fuller and with more purpose and perspective when we know Him and trust Him with our lives. When we hold back in giving God areas of our life, it’s truly our loss. We can potentially miss greater blessings He has for us.
Regardless of whether we give Him the reigns or not, we will walk through trials and sorrows in this life. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 [NIV]). I would rather my life be in His hands during those times.
Reoccurring Dream
Over the past 8 months, I’ve had this reoccurring dream where I cannot find my way home. The places are different, but the outcome and theme are always the same – lost and can’t get home. The circumstances always have me in a place that is unfamiliar where I’m desperately trying to get directions and/or find transportation (my car or other means) with no success. The path/road/place at that time is unclear, therefore, cannot navigate to the directions that are familiar to me to get home. In the dream, there is always a sense that home is far away. I’ve tried to make sense of it but cannot. I wonder if it signifies that my husband is now home in Heaven and I’m desperately trying to find him.
Today, I wondered if the dream is about holding back on the reigns and trying to navigate this path and purpose on my own without giving everything to God. There are times that God just wants us to be ‘still and wait on direction’, otherwise, it can lead to us opening and going through this door and that door. In the dream, the course isn’t right, isn’t familiar, isn’t where I need to be. I feel vulnerable, not in His safety and lost in the dream. Not sure of the most accurate answer but do know the dream has repeated itself so many times over in the past year.
What Next?
I gave Him back full control of my life and acknowledged that I had been holding back and why. I was selfishly afraid that His plan would not line up with mine (can’t even believe I’m saying that!). It was like being ‘half in’ and ‘half out’, praying for direction and His will, but still clinging to what I wanted. I said this very simple and honest prayer while still on my walk.
“Jesus, I’ve been holding back. Today, I give you the full reins of my life. Take them. You know what is best and where I need to be. I’d rather you drive, than me. Quite frankly, I’m exhausted in trying to figure everything out. On September 9th (2023), I give you the full reins to my life.”
That was a freeing statement. Although we may love God with all our hearts and walk in His ways, we could be holding back due to fear or lack of trust or things we don’t want to change.
A Simple Question for You
Who do you think has a better vantage point and plan for your life? You or the God of all creation?
Let’s figuratively imagine for a moment that you walked outside of your house or into your garage and there were two vehicles before you. You have a choice. One was empty and waiting for you to get into the driver’s seat to embark on your destination. The other vehicle (I like to think chariot!) has Jesus in the driver seat. He looks at you and says, “Get in, I will lead you. Let me drive. I know where you need to go.” I like to think or envision His chariot is a better mode of transportation for my life.
He knows what is best for us and He knows us. Scripture states in Jeremiah 1:5 [NKJV], “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” and His reassurance in Jeremiah 29:11 [NIV], ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”’
The Choice is Yours
Our walk with God is much more than going to church on Saturdays or Sundays/holidays, being baptized or dedicated when we are young. That’s all terrific, but it can be much more than that all the days of our life. God wants a relationship with us. Jesus wants to be part of our lives. He is a friend, a father, a Savior, a provider, a protector – all things good.
It’s Decision Time
He knows what is best for our lives. Do you want to give Him the reigns? If so, say this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, you have the best vantage point of my entire life. You know what is best for me today and in the future. Take the lead in my life and guide me forward. I trust you will show me the path to walk and will open the doors to walk through. Thank you, Jesus.”
Are you unsure about your relationship with God/Jesus or do not know Him? Is God tugging at your heart? You can pray the prayer below and He will meet you right where you are. I’d encourage you to read this Message of Hope.
“Lord Jesus Christ, I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. Please forgive me. Thank you that You died on the cross for me and rose from the grave, so that I could be forgiven. Thank you for offering me forgiveness and the gift of Your Spirit. I now receive that gift. Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me forever. Thank you, Lord Jesus, Amen.”
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References
Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com.
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com
