There comes a point when you’ve done everything you can.
Stop.
I know that this is easier said than done. I know that I’m not walking in your shoes and I have no idea how hard it’s been. I know that all of our situations are different. I know that if you stop you might be afraid that all the house of cards are going to tumble down.
But can I tell you something? Stopping doesn’t mean that you’re giving up.
You’re just going to fight this thing in a different way.
You see, it takes a lot of energy to keep fighting when we are way past the point of what can be done in the natural.
It’s exhausting, in fact.
Stopping allows us to start.
We can start resting those anxious thoughts.
We can start putting our energy into the things we can do.
We can’t fix that person, but we can fix our response. We can’t change what they’re doing, but we can change what we’re doing that’s not working. We can’t force someone to make good decisions, but we can allow them to experience the consequences that come with bad ones.
We can speak the truth.
We can pray.
We can rest in His presence and ask for wisdom.
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14
Maybe it has nothing to do with fixing a person or a circumstance.
Instead God whispered good things to you and you are ready for it to happen. . . now, please and thank you.
You thought it was going to happen as soon as the Holy Spirit whispered it in your heart and here it is months or years later and it’s taking forever.
So you’ve devised strategies and plans and you strive and push and maybe you even exchange his plan for yours . . . because maybe He didn’t mean it after all.
Stop.
If He spoke it, trust Him.
Take one small step. Then another as He leads.
Maybe it will take you longer than you thought it might, but crossing the finish line isn’t your real miracle. Walking with Jesus all the way toward the finish line is.
Suzie
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Thank you. I have been hearing that a lot lately from God. Stop. Just stand. Be still. It is very hard for me to turn my mind off and stop making all sorts of plans. But I am learning to pray when my mind starts racing.in every different direction. I think that I am beginning to learn to do my part and then let Him do His part…at least I am trying to.
Thanks, this is great advice. I love this: “Stopping doesn’t mean that you’re giving up. You’re just going to fight this thing in a different way.” It is hard to stop trying to fix things but it does take off a lot of pressure if we can do that and hand it over to God.
Suzi, thank you so much! I said these exact words yesterday and I feel through your blog today, God was confirming those words. My 17 year old son made a dramatic change this year, his senior year of all years. He changed friends, attitude towards school, church, etc. He was participating in some unacceptable behavior and to keep everyone safe, we took his car away. He got mad and went to live with his dad. Where the rules are lax and the the consequence are not held firm. I’ve worked tirelessly with school counselor to give him every chance to graduate. So I hit the point last night where I said the words “I’ve done all I can, now it’s up to him”. And then your blog came into my email this morning. Praise God!
“You thought it was going to happen as soon as the Holy Spirit whispered it in your heart and here it is months or years later and it’s taking forever.” Yes. This one resonates, Suzie. This writing/speaking ministry has been central to that. Slowly, rest is winning as I’m stepping aside. In the midst of the wait, I’ve noticed heart changes, necessary heart changes. Thank goodness He is faithful.
This message spoke mightly to me today. I am a “fix-it” girl always trying to make sure everyone is happy and problem free. Lately I have been unable to fix some problems and I’m struggling with it. This writing and other women’s comments have helped me more than I can express. I feel guilty at times for not being able to help others but God is teaching me a new way! Thank you to all for being so honest and open with your struggles. It shows we are not in this alone.
One of my favorite verses. I repeat it often to myself when conflict is present.
“Stopping allows us to start.” Sometimes, it takes us years to get this. And when we do get it, we still forget at times (pointing at self – LOL). I appreciate this reminder. Keep fighting. Have a wonderful week, Suzie.
I’m with you Carolina. I learn it. Forget it. Try in my own strength again. Relearn. Reforget. Three steps forward, two steps back. But there’s grace always. 🙂
This line, “… but crossing the finish line isn’t your real miracle. Walking with Jesus all the way toward the finish line is.” WHOA! What a powerful and beautiful post, Suzie. Thank you for this reminder… I needed it!
Yes…I loved that part as well!!! It completely turns our thinking and perspective right side up!
That’s what spoke to me most, too, Crystal!
Yes to this: traveling the finish line with Jesus. Reminds me of the story of Vanderwal de Lima (name?) He was in winning place in the Olympic marathon when an onlooker knocked him down. His father came out and helped him to the finish line, where he received bronze instead of gold. But he still viewed it as victory.
Yes, when we’ve done all we can, or maybe before that even, we need to rest from anxiety and struggle and let God fight for us.
Just letting you know that I linked my post because it kind of fit in with your topic. (kinda sorta?) I usually am sorry not to join in but am not able to write another post to a specific prompt these days. I love your #livefree Thursday and the convo though!
So good! Thank you, Suzie! <3
Oh my goodness I am about to cry just reading this! God is totally using you to speak to me today, dear Suzie and I want to thank you so much for this post. I’ve been trying, trying, trying so hard to make what God has placed on my heart to do happen that I’ve lost sight of why I began in the first place. Earlier this week, before this post was even published, I made the commitment to myself and to God to let go of it all and dial back a bit for a few months. Thank you for the encouragement. This post confirmed in my heart that I’ve made the right decision.
love these words of wisdom!
“You see, it takes a lot of energy to keep fighting when we are way past the point of what can be done in the natural.”
And that’s when the lump in my throat began to rise.
It’s hard to stop. I’m a runner…so I feel particularly disadvantaged. I’m high energy and silly most of the time, so stopping is rediculous for me. I’m an encourager…and I believe I can do ANYTHING with God!
So, I should be able to STOP when He says, WAIT.
I should know that this year’s word, “obedience,” is going to rear it’s ugly head everywhere…all of the time…and especially in the realm of deep-breathing patience.
I’m dying to let my words soar in search of souls for the Lord.
It’s undoubtably my calling in life.
Embracing the pit-stops along the journey takes …oh…my…OBEDIENCE.
Thanks for stirring my heart up today, and allowing me to talk this out in your comments! Ha ha ha!
Awesome post.
Happy Thursday!!
Megs
My word for this year is “relax.” This another reminder to sit back and let God do only the things God is able to do 🙂 Thank you!
Your words speak straight to my heart and soul once again Suzie! Thank you so much!
Thank you for the reminder of the peace that exists in being still, Suzie. I struggle with finding that place. Where does the “all I can do” end and the being still start? I think I am learning to better discern that time as I grow in my faith and in experience, but I know I still have a long way to go!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori