Friday, May 19, 2023

There are few things more exasperating than a toddler insisting, “I do it!” Whether they want to put on their own shoes or pour themselves a bowl of goldfish, they often end up crying over being unable to do something they aren’t yet capable of. And they make a mess. 

Unfortunately, like those toddlers, there are times when we insist “I do it!” with God. We refuse to give up control, holding tightly to what we think we have power over. We refuse to let go of negative emotions like fear and anger or run ourselves into the ground to solve a problem. We end up wasting our time and energy, or creating an even bigger mess. 

God wants us to yield to him in those moments. He invites us to trust him, to hand over control. Yield, the final piece of our P.R.A.Y acronym, reminds us to relinquish our own power and grip on the situation and let him take charge. 

Psalm 119:114-117
¹¹⁴ You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. ¹¹⁵ Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God. ¹¹⁶ Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. ¹¹⁷ Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees.

God is right there, arms out, waiting for us to say, “God, sustain me!” He promises to be there when we trust him, to lead us through our bitter memories and problems that won’t solve themselves. God offers to work next to us—if only we yield to his guidance. 

There are two meanings to the word yield. One is to trust and give up control. The other is to produce, create, and be fruitful. When we yield our lives to God, he helps us be purposeful and to yield an inspiring life. 

When we yield to God, he transforms the very things we struggle with and refuse to give up—the areas where we insist, “I do it!” into the most powerful, inspiring stories. What will your story be like? 

Luke 8:15
And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it and patiently produce a huge harvest. 

Questions:
What are you unwilling to yield to God? Where do you need God to sustain you? 

Next Steps:
As you pray, imagine yourself giving God control. Take as long as you need to completely hand it over. Next time you try to take charge, imagine that again. Ask God to give you purpose, to help you make a difference in the very areas you feel anxious or upset.  

Take time to practice the P.R.A.Y. technique we learned this week. Carve out a few minutes in your day to Pause before God, Rejoice and Reflect on the blessings in your life, Ask God for what you need, and Yield, knowing his ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9).

Prayer:
Father, I give you (fill in the blank). I can’t control or change it, no matter how much I try. I trust you with all of it, and with all of me. Please, help me live the life you have planned for me. Give me the eyes to see your plan and the courage to step into it. I love you. Amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
Luke 8:15
And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.