Thursday, January 12, 2023

If you spent one day with me, you would notice that I am someone who struggles deeply with anxiety. I have spent many sleepless nights ruminating on situations that may or may not happen, and I often find myself catastrophizing. There is a little voice that haunts me, asking the same question repeatedly: “What if?”

“What if I fail this class?”

“What if the diagnosis is serious?”

Or one of my personal favorites, “What if I’m not good enough?” “What if they reject me and think I’m too much?”

As we learned this weekend, there is a common source deep beneath the what ifs—the desire for control. Trying to control our lives on our own is difficult. Actually, it’s impossible! This is because God did not design his children to be in control. Trying to take control of our lives and the actions of others is a monumental task … a very heavy burden. It steals the joy of the present moment and weighs down our hearts and minds. Thankfully, while on Earth, Jesus reminded his disciples that his followers were not meant to carry such a heavy weight.

Matthew 11:28-30
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Last weekend, we learned that we do not have the authority to control the events that unfold in our lives. It is only when we fully surrender to God that we can experience the goodness that he has in store for us. While at times we may not understand what he is doing, we do know that he is the Mighty God who has unfailingly proven his faithfulness to us. We can only truly find peace when we let God take the reins, knowing that he is actively working in our lives to allow us to fulfill the purpose he designed for us.

Colossians 3:1-4
1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Questions:
Are you holding on to a burden that you’re ready to surrender to God?

What are some ways to break the cycle of “what if” and, instead, trust God with the burden?

Next Steps:
Take a step in your faith through Baptism, publicly declaring your faith and completely surrendering your life to Jesus.

Participate in the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting and attend a Prayer Night.

21 Days of Prayer

Day 4 Focus - To surrender to him (Romans 12:1)

Heavenly Father, thank you for all you have given me: all the time, resources, relationships, and abilities. I now give them back to you. I surrender it all. I am only a steward—it all belongs to you. God, guide my actions. Help me to listen for and obey your directions. Teach me to trust you and use what you have given me according to your will. May your will be done in me and through me. Amen.

Today’s Parent Prayer

This post was written by Isabelle Billnitzer. Isabelle is a regular attender of CedarCreek and serves in the children’s ministry. She is passionate about writing and loves spending time with her family and friends. Her goal is to show people the love of Jesus Christ.