June 28th: Letting Go and Letting God
Scripture - 1 Peter 5:6-11
New King James Version
Verse 1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Letting Go and Letting God
We sometimes say or hear that he has the cares of the world on his shoulders. Conversely we might hear that she doesn't have a care in the world. I suspect that most of us find ourselves somewhere between these two extremes.
The coronavirus has placed many a care on many different people.
We think of the front line workers - doctors, nurses, cleaning staff, paramedics, senior's residences and nursing home personnel who literally have put their health and well being as of their families on the line to care for patients and residents entrusted to them.
We think of families who have lost a member of their family and because of visiting restrictions, were unable to be with them and the end and the subsequent pain in their hearts.
We think of business owners who had put both themselves and their financial resources into their venture, and have had to throw in the towel as they went under.
We think of those who lost their employment and struggle with the ongoing financial obligations to survive.
Yes, many people with many a care as a result of COVID-19!
As you read this what cares would weigh you down as a ball and chain to make life an uphill struggle?
They may be different from the above, but we all have them.
Hudson Taylor, pioneer missionary to China, was deeply disturbed by many burdens that weighed him down. As he prayed for strength to carry on his ministry, Psalm 55:22a suddenly came to his mind: "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you."
Springing to his feet, he cried, "This fear-allaying truth has evaded me too long! I see it all now!
If we are obeying the Lord and still run into difficulty, the heavy responsibility rests with HIM, not with us." Then Taylor prayed, "Lord you shall have the burden! At your bidding I will go forward, leaving the results with You." With lightened heart, Hudson Taylor went on to establish a great work in China.
Yes, with our burdens we need to let go and let God. Sometimes this is easier said than done.
Let Go As children bring their broken toys With tears for us to mend, I brought my broken dreams to God Because He was my friend. But then, instead of leaving Him In peace, to work alone, I hung around and tried to help In ways that were my own. Finally I took them back and said, "Dear God, why are you so slow?" "My child," He said "what could I do? You never did let go."
Together in casting our care upon Him,
Rev. Wayne