I remember a time when I wanted to be set free from something that was controlling my life, but this same struggle also defined and consumed much of my identity. I didn’t know who I was without it. I will never forget the day I realized that a small part of me was holding onto it because I was afraid to let go. I was afraid of feeling unfulfilled; but even more than that, I was afraid that God wouldn’t come through for me.
Even though I wanted to let go, the sense of familiarity kept my fists clenched to what was holding me back. The unknown was much scarier than what I knew and lived with for so long.
Trusting Jesus to set me free was my last option, and what if He left me stranded?
What if I realized He really couldn’t satisfy my deepest needs? I was afraid I needed too much for Him to satisfy. I thought my needs were something God just couldn’t fill, because I was wired the wrong way and what I needed was drastically different than something He was interested in fulfilling.
It was like I was standing at a ledge wondering what God would do if I jumped like He was telling me to. It took all the strength and courage I had to trust that He would not let me down and that He would catch me like He promised. I didn’t know who I would be without the struggle I had…and that terrified me. It’s all I knew.
I would not know the freedom I do today if I would not have stepped out to trust God in a deeper way.
I (finally) took the chance, and my life changed because of it.
I want to encourage you to put your trust in Jesus. Maybe you are struggling with a stronghold, and you are afraid to let go. Maybe there is a relationship you need to re-evaluate or draw boundaries with. Maybe you know God is asking you to take the next step in something, but you are afraid to step out into unknown territory.
Jesus can fill those places that you’re not sure He can fill.
If He is guiding you to do something, He will lead the way for you. He won’t leave you stranded.
Make the decision to step out and trust God. Yes, it can be terrifying, but you can do it while you’re still afraid.
Don’t wait until you’re not afraid anymore, because you may never do it.
There may be a period of time that feels uncertain and unfamiliar to you but keep going. That is not the end. There is freedom on the other side of where you are!
Lord, I thank you that you never leave us stranded by ourselves when we follow you. I pray that you show each person reading this what the step is that you are wanting them to take today. Please reveal any lies they have been believing about themselves or about you that have been hindering them. Show them the truth of who you are and who you created them to be. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.