4 Benefits of Letting God Lead You

“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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Can God Restore My Relationship?

When we dig deep into topics from Scripture that affect our lives today as women of faith, big questions tend to surface. Thankfully, our mighty God is faithful to guide us with wisdom and insight as we bring those big questions to him.

Relationships can be difficult at times. They can also be a great blessing, so learning to navigate the intricacies of relationship dynamics is important to our spiritual growth.

Many of us have experienced periods of separation from family members or friends. When the estrangement lingers and there seems to be no solution in sight, what do we do? Can God restore the relationship? How do we pray for broken relationships?

Our Heavenly Father is a God of restoration. When we look at Romans 5:10, we see that God restored our relationship to Him through the death and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ. 

“For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. We were enemies of God through sin. And through Jesus God restored our relationship to Him.” Romans 5:10 NLT

So yes, God can restore relationships, and restoration is part of His plan.

But we need to remember that God’s ways are far beyond our own. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. (Revelations 22:13)

There are 3 things to consider as we bring our requests to God and ask him to restore a relationship: God desires to restore relationships according to His way, in His timing, and for His purposes.

God desires to restore relationships His way.

We have our own reasons for wanting a relationship restored. Estrangement hurts. Long periods of time away from family or friends causes an emptiness we cannot fill on our own. We wonder why, and the not knowing adds to the agony.

We try to take control of the situation and resolve it on our own. But we also know, we cannot control our loved one’s actions or decisions. We want to reconcile so badly, that we’re willing to do anything to make it happen!

God’s Word reminds us that if we will take a step back, and let him work it out His way, not only does He get glorified, but it always turns out better than when we try to fix it. Whether we see change happening our not, we can trust our Heavenly Father’s plan. He is always working everything together for our good.

God will also keep us away from harm for our own protection and spiritual growth. We can trust His promises, and also His process.

God desires to restore in His timing.

God’s timing is so vastly different from our own, that we can’t even fathom it.

I once heard a story from a precious woman who was estranged from her father for many years. As he lay in his hospital bed nearing death, she was able to visit with him, and they both took hold of the opportunity to seek each other’s forgiveness and reconcile. This woman could have chosen to harbor bitterness over the years lost, but instead she chose to rejoice in their reconciliation.

When we choose to trust God’s timing instead of our own, we will find renewed peace in God’s sovereignty where our relationships are concerned.

God desires to see restoration for His purposes.

We know that God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) That tells us God is working everything together for our good right now, even when we’re struggling with estrangement from someone we love. 

If we’ve been praying for restoration and it hasn’t happened yet, we can trust in God’s promises for us as his beloved children. He will show us the right path.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

When the sting of separation from a family member or dear friend leaves a gaping hole in our hearts, it’s hard to keep hoping. God has much to say about hope. Hope is one of our greatest gifts from him.

Hope will breathe life into our day when we feel empty or lonely from seeking reconciliation. But expectations can be exhausting. Expectations can create a weight we weren’t meant to carry, while hope offers relief as we trust God with the outcome.

Have you been in a season of estrangement from a family member or friend and wondering if God will restore that relationship? Let the following prayer guide you into a closer walk with your Heavenly Father. He loves you with an everlasting love. Let’s pray together.

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A Prayer to Reconcile with Estranged Family or Friends

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for _________. (Your loved one’s name here.) I know you love them even more than I do, and I pray you will lead us toward reconciliation in our relationship. We have been estranged, but you are a God who can restore what was broken. Renew our hearts and help us both to seek you continually. If either of us has wandered away from you, draw us back with your unfailing love and tender mercy. I trust you and believe in your power to reunite me with ________.

Your ways are perfect, and so is your timing. Even when I can’t see it, you are working in the waiting. Reconciliation often takes time. Help me demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as I wait for you. (Galatians 5:22-23) During this season of waiting, please protect _______ from enemy attacks and be their ever-present help in time of need. (Psalm 46:1)

You have shown through your Word how much you love family bonds. Scripture declares, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) When I speak these words over my own home, help me to live out their meaning with grace and truth.

You are a God who loves connection. You sent your son Jesus to be with your children, spend time with them, and build relationships. Give me wisdom specifically for this estranged relationship. Help me discern when to reach out and when to stay silent. 

I will rest in the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6, seeking your will as you show me the path to take. I will continue to pray with hope, while also realizing I cannot control another person’s decisions or actions. Help me to know when to hold on and when to let go. I trust you with the outcome. 

Relationships with family and friends are not easy, but as long as I keep my focus on you, I know you will work all things together for my good. That doesn’t mean everything between me and _____ will always be good, but that you can bring beauty from ashes.

Thank you for the blessings of the relationships in my life. Thank you for the hope of reconciliation, the joy of family and friends, and the peace that comes through your precious son, Jesus. Amen.

Disclaimer: Today’s post is offered as a short study about restoration and is not intended as professional advice for relationship counseling. If you or someone you know is in a harmful relationship, please seek out a local ministry or counseling center for help. You can also find help at Focus on the Family by clicking here.

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