No Striving

No Striving

Strive: To contend. To contest, to struggle in opposition to another, to be in contention or dispute.

It is going to take more than just laying down your plan and surrendering to love. Often we believe that we have made it because we have given up on our idea.  But even as we listen to God guide us on this journey, we begin to question and strive with the way he is asking us to go or even how long it’s taking us to make it down the road. 

I am sure in your mind you are thinking, "I never do that."  But maybe if you had an example. Recently I had an opportunity to attend an event with a group of ladies on a Saturday afternoon. When I woke up that morning, I was exhausted, and I could hear God telling me to cancel that I needed to rest. But I began to strive with Him; I had to make sure God heard my arguments. But even in the midst of me making my case known, I submitted and sent a text to one of the ladies to let them know I would not be able to come. That I needed to rest. Their response was simple and directly from God. She said, “Rest is more important.” And at that moment, I cried out to God to forgive me for striving. 

You see, striving can be useful if you are on the debate team or contending for your position in negotiations. But it is not necessary for our walk with God. “What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’” Isaiah 45:9 NLT 

Our position simply becomes to lean into him, to know and trust that he will never lead you the wrong way. “So now wrap your heart tightly around the hope that lives within us, knowing that God ALWAYS keeps his promises!” Hebrews 10:23 TPT

So, let us continue down the road on our journey.  There are many lessons to learn on the way to love. The good news is, even in our striving, God's love for us does not change; we have just picked up weights we that are not ours to carry. Remember to lay them down and continue with the one who created it all. 

“Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting - for he will never disappoint you.” Psalms 27:14 TPT

So take some time to think about the questions below:

1.  What are some ways that you believe you could be striving currently? 

2.  What are some promises that you need to recall that God has given you? 

3.  What are some weights that you may have picked up that you realize are not yours to carry? How will you lay them down?