I’m realizing I’m such a results driven person. I need numbers, stats, and visual proof that things are happening. I long to know that the labor of what is being sowed is fruitful. Oh how I wish I could let this go because I know it makes me crazy. Not like pycho-crazy — but like that scary crazy in your head that gets dizzying day after day.
Do find yourself craving results too?
You plant, scatter seed, write, work, minister, work for a boss or raise a family all the while craving to see the fruit of your labor. You stretch and crave to see results. Then you soon find yourself frustrated and tired.
It’s hard to work so diligently on something and then surrender it and let go of results. But that’s what God calls us to do. He expects us to work and plant seed, but to remember that He is in charge from that point forward. Results and all!
Why do we try so hard to manufacture results? It’s exhausting. It’s tiring and wears out the best of us.
It’s time to surrender.
On the few times I’ve gotten this surrender thing right, there’s a precious rest that comes. When I’ve reluctantly taken my eyes off the results and looked upward only to God, a sweetness fills my soul. When I quit counting numbers and looked towards heaven here on earth in God’s beautiful people and creation — my soul can breathe, rest, and relax in the journey.
Sometimes it’s so hard for us to give up that tight grip we have on the goal and loosen our hold to let God take over. But releasing those muscles that want to hang on is freeing.
And in the letting go, a heavenly rest comes.
A rest from trying.
A rest from perfection.
A rest from striving.
A rest of the soul!
Are you ready for a heavenly rest?
Visiting you from Five-Minute Friday- what a great reminder that God invites us to rest in Him in the midst of all our hard work! Thanks for sharing.
OH my goodness, I was JUST talking to someone about this today! (Kris from Always Alleluia to be exact).
It’s something He’s teaching me. right now. and I never knew how hard it was to surrender all…what I thought I had been doing wasn’t it. but I’m getting it. tasting rest in all its glory. and it’s a beautiful thing.
hugs to you, friend! thanks for the quick chat! :) Can’t wait to see where the camera leads you next, friend!
you are right on, Alene…there is heavenly rest in letting go…so true, and such a process for me to learn…and God is gracious to give me opportunities to practice…blessings to you, my friend :)
I think God teaches me this lesson at least once a week. And I go, Oh Yes, Lord, I get it now. And then we repeat it again a few days later when I’m striving and worrying about results and trying to harvest crops that haven’t even sprouted yet. Because I’m awesome like that. It’s a hard lesson to learn, but one that when I do get, makes all the difference.
Dang — I do that too! Let it go, then snatch it right back up. Why, oh, why do we do that? I am being more mindful these days — to let go and follow!!! I don’t need to lead . . . I’ll follow Him and rest in HIs results. Nite nite girl!
genuine surrender can be very tough….but so very worth it, for sure. Well said. :)
Thanks Wick! Do you still youth pastor? Loved your fun post!
Ahhh, yes . . . I yearn for that heavenly rest! But so much to still accomplish for Him!
I love this! A great reminder that when I “let it go” I feel much more peaceful and rested.
Be Blessed.
Heavenly rest…it’s beautiful.
I have missed you and your words, sweet Alene. After a sporadic time away from FMF, I am so happy to be resting in the words of my friends from Lisa-Jo’s. I am with you, ready for a rest from much and a time of stillness in Him.
“A rest from trying” oh I loved it all. That list at the end produced repeated yeses and I am still floored-thankful for your words at my site and your wisdom here and your heart. Amen Alene!
This is so good, Alene. Such wisdom gleaned in such a short time. I’m all for having these words hanging up in my home as a permanent reminder: “A rest from trying, A rest from perfectionism, A rest from striving, A rest of the soul’. Oh yes, just what I need to remember and put into practice. Thank you so much for this beautiful reflection.
Yes, this: “When I’ve reluctantly taken my eyes off the results and looked upward only to God, a sweetness fills my soul.” Love it!
I love your words and the reminder that we need to seek that heavenly rest every minute. Thank you for sharing your heart.
I also wrote of surrender, that sweet letting go
rest well in His peace
Nice Alene…love the pic too. BLess you today…
Letting go IS the hardest part of rest. It is giving our control UP and letting God take control.
I think it is SO HARD to let go. And yet when you do, you are often surprised by the feeling of relief. This is a great post. Stopping by from SITS Sharefest on Twitter.
I have to admit, though my body needs rest, I don’t want any for this pursuit I’m on. I’m following hard after Him. There are orphans to rescue, slaves to free, hungry to feed, thirsty to quench — for both now and for eternity. I’m not certain what my whole part is, but that’s what has me seeking. I’m glad to journey with you. You’ve inspired me to live for a purpose greater than my own.