“When I saw this opportunity, I thought it would be perfect for you!”
Over coffee, a friend mentioned a local ministry looking for volunteers. She’d been involved with this worthy cause for several years, and a position opened up that seemed to be just right for me.
My excitement grew like you wouldn’t believe.
I knew about the ministry and had every intention of getting involved. Now it seemed like my prayers were being answered. Was God opening a door for me? I decided to pray about it, but I couldn’t think of a single reason God would say “no.”
So, imagine my surprise when I didn’t feel like I got the go-ahead from God.
When things stalled out, my stubbornness kicked in. I thought surely God would be pleased with my willingness. Plus, the timing seemed perfect. I wanted to let God lead me, but I just couldn’t understand why he would close the door on such a worthwhile thing. That made it hard to let go and follow His plan instead of my own.
The Root of Our Struggle to Let Go of Control
In our last devotion, I shared about our struggle to let go of control. We reminded ourselves that God is over all things. By focusing on that truth, we can practice releasing control to God each day. But as we look a little deeper, we discover what lies at the root of our struggle.
To find the answer, let’s look at the story in Exodus of a ruthless Pharaoh pursuing the fleeing Israelites.
When God Hardened Pharaoh’s Heart
God sent Moses to lead His people out of the bondage under Egyptian rule. Each time Pharaoh relented and agreed to release the Israelites, God hardened Pharoah’s heart, and Pharaoh changed his mind about letting the people go.
After finally heeding Moses’ warnings and letting them go, God once again hardened Pharoah’s heart, and the Egyptian army went after them.
“And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the people of Israel while the people of Israel were going out defiantly.” Exodus 14:8 ESV
Scripture tells us God hardened his heart, meaning God allowed Pharaoh to be ruled by his own stubborn nature. He let Pharaoh do what he wanted to do—to be in control.
Why Do We Allow Our Hearts to Be Hardened?
I know all-too-well the desire to forge my own path, even when the path seems righteous and good. Just like wanting to serve in a ministry with my friend, I can get caught up in what I want and forget to allow God to guide me.
The word heart in the verse above originates from the Hebrew word leb, referring to the foundation of our thoughts and emotions. Pharaoh had control of the Israelites, and he did not want to let that go. A hardened heart can have the same effect on us.
I love how this quote from an article on Christianity.com explains it, “When God gives us over to our own charge, our own control, we always become hard of heart toward the will of God. It is the natural result of fallen humans refusing to allow God to control our lives.”
A difficult truth, but one we need to hear in order to keep taking steps forward in our spiritual walk. That’s why it’s crucial that we make time to rest at the feet of Jesus often and seek His will above our own.
Romans 2:5 tells us, “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.”
We see the word heart again in this New Testament verse. Similar to the one used in Exodus 14:8, the Greek word kardia here refers to “the inner person, self, the seat of thought and emotion: conscience, courage, mind, and understanding.”
Simply put, we can be stubborn. But we know in our hearts, God’s way is the best way, so it’s time to dig deep and pull out any of the hard roots that remain.
How Do We Know If We’re Letting God Lead Us?
When I get used to taking the lead, I can convince myself that something is God’s will, even when I haven’t heard clear direction from Him. I rationalize it, thinking that if it makes sense, then of course it’s what He wants. But just because it’s a good thing, doesn’t mean it’s God’s thing for me right now.
To know for sure, we need to pray and ask Him to lead us.
The Benefits of Letting God Lead You
Good things will come from yielding to God’s guiding hand. It’s challenging at first, but when we submit to His will, we will find freedom in following.
Here are 4 benefits of letting God lead us:
One: When we let God lead us, we transform to become more like Christ.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
Two: Letting God lead us helps us sstay on the right path and live the abundant life God offers.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Three: Letting God lead us leads to a worry-free life because we know that even through the most difficult circumstances, God is still in control.
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22
Four: Letting God lead us teaches us to hear and respond to his voice.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
If you’ve been struggling to hear God’s voice, you may find comfort and encouragement in this post, 4 Powerful Ways the Holy Spirit Will Guide You.
A Prayer for God to Soften Our Hearts
As we continue seeking the Lord’s leading in our lives, let’s remember to ask him to soften our hearts to his will, his ways, and his timing. He is a good and faithful God, and he will respond as we seek him in all that we do.
Dear Heavenly Father,
My heart has become hardened as I’ve continued fighting for control. I’ve prayed and wanted to let go, but then I make decisions based on what I want instead of waiting for your answer. Forgive me, Lord. Soften my heart toward your ways, your will, and your people.
Your Word says that it’s you who works in me to act, in order to fulfill your good purpose. You know best, and you have a plan beyond what I can see in front of me. Help me to trust that. Help me yield to your will. Where you lead me, I will follow. I confess my stubbornness, and I know good things await as I let you have complete control. Thank you for being my guiding hand. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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