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Single Minded
by Michelle Brinson
1 John 2:17 NIV
Hold On and Let Go! Sounds like a contradiction doesn't it? I suppose in many situations it is. If you're carrying a glass dish you certainly don't want to let go of it while you're holding on to it. It would drop and probably break. But what if you were rock climbing? I suppose there are times when you've got to grab a hold of the rock you're reaching for while letting go of the rock you're on. It looks scary to me and I admit I've never tried it.
But right now, I feel like I am on the side of a rock and God is telling me to hold on and let go at the same time and I'm terrified.
I had just found out that I was losing my job. A week earlier I learned some very hurtful information about someone from my past. This all happened between the December 26 and January 2. Not exactly the way I had expected to celebrate the holidays or ring in the New Year.
Between the pain of my past, the fear of my future and the uncertainty of my present I was overwhelmed. I cried. I was sad over the pain of the news I received – both personally and professionally. I prayed. I knew God would hear me and comfort me. I sang. Despite my sadness, I knew God had protected me and I was so very thankful.
As I awoke the morning of January 3rd, I knew it was the Lord speaking straight into my heart. Hold On and Let Go!
"Hold on to what," I found myself crying out? "My career? My future?" For a moment I felt like I had nothing to hold on to. And in the early morning light I could feel His presence – reminding me that the only thing I needed to hold on to was Him. I could let go of all these other things and just hold on to Him.
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
Isaiah 41:10 NASB
I am the first to admit that I struggle with my emotions. Things like losing your job, a relationship ending, a death in your family, financial struggles… all of these things can be overwhelming. In the face of uncertainty, it is easy to become depressed, discouraged, and distracted. The focus becomes on our selves and our emotions instead of on Him.
But he who walks wisely will be delivered.
Proverbs 28: 26 NASB
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB
The Bible makes it clear that instead of trusting in our hearts, we need to wholly trust in the Lord. We are to trust the Lord and his Word and NOT our hearts, because our hearts will lead us into the pit of destruction.
Are you facing a pit of destruction? Job loss? Divorce? Financial instability? Health problems? Whatever struggle you are facing – simply know that you can trust God. He loves you. He is there for you. He hears your prayers.
He wants you to hold on to Him and let go of everything else. He's got you!
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Michelle sees her marriage as a ministry and desires for it and herself to be used by God. She and her husband and son are active members of their church. She is also passionate about spreading the good news locally as well as internationally via mission trips to East Africa and wherever else the Lord leads.
Michelle is a talented writer and speaker who prays God will use her in sharing His hope and truths to those who are hurting and in need of love.
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