Written By: Angela Howard
I’ve heard the same question repeated over and over from anyone facing a battle beyond their control: how can I genuinely let go and trust God? Looking in the mirror, I’ve asked myself the same thing: will I trust God with everything? It’s an internal tug-of-war. My mind has no trouble acknowledging that God is good, faithful and powerful. But, looking at the towering mountains before me I can struggle to put my faith into practice. Don’t you? Maybe you’ve wondered like me… Wouldn’t it be easier if I just solved this problem myself? After all, I have some pretty great ideas! Surely God has bigger problems! When all is said and done, isn’t it all up to me?
The answer isn’t simple but as I choose to rely on God each time I encounter a trial, I’ve found some important keys to letting go and trusting God:
4 Keys to Letting Go and Trusting God
“Control is just an illusion.”
The above statement was made my son Ben when he was just a little boy. I’m not gonna lie, it’s annoying when your kid is smarter than you. Nevertheless, the truth has rung loudly in my ears, reminding me that grasping for control will only lead to disappointment. We can’t control our circumstances, or other people, but we can control how we choose to respond. Will it be with faith or fear?
I don’t know all the answers. And that’s okay.
Do you love to problem solve? I do. Honestly, it’s one of my best assets. Show me a challenge and I’ll find a way to overcome it. Don’t tell me I can’t do it. I’ll fix it; I’m relentless. This skill has served me well–most of the time. But sometimes there isn’t an answer. Sometimes, we have to wait with confidence that God knows and sees the beginning from the end.
Rest in God
Sharing a frustrating situation with my mom she asked me one important question: “Where does resting in God fit into the picture?” I didn’t want to hear it. I think I said something flippant, not willing to consider the root of the problem. I wasn’t trusting God with my concerns and within a few short hours I had to admit the truth. Could I rest in God even if I didn’t like the results of my situation? The bottom line is this: God is with me. I am never alone. He will sustain me. I don’t need to rest in my desired outcome; I need to rest in God.
God offers something better than our fantasy; he offers himself. – Mark Buchanen
Surrender in Prayer
Have you ever felt like you turned your problems over to God only to discover that you were just rehashing them again and again to anyone who would listen? It might be time to pray a prayer of surrender, just as Jesus did before his death and resurrection.
Finally, letting go and trusting God is a practice of faith that we will repeat throughout our lives. This is not a one-time-lesson, but a decision we make for every challenge we encounter.
What would it look like for you to let go and trust God in your current trial? How can you surrender your life to Him today? I’d love to hear from you, please comment below.
About Angela:
Angela Howard is an author and minister who loves empowering people with authentic encouragement and Biblical perspective for their imperfect lives. Her book: How To Love Your Crazy Family is on Amazon and you can connect with her on her blog No Ordinary Days.
Uniquely Yours Ministries 