Let it be

“We should be willing to let the Holy Spirit lead us in every part of our lives. We should be so surrendered to God that wherever He tells us to go or whatever the Holy Spirit tells us to do, we should simply be obedient and follow.” – Rick Renner from Sparkling Gems from the Greek

I’m really bad at that. Oh, I talk a good game. But too often, even when I do what I believe God wants for me, I will do it begrudgingly. I will do it with a lot of complaining or whining, or foot dragging. I will let God know how unhappy I am. Lord, help me.

I am terrible at the obedience thing, I admit. Oh, how I wish I could say that I do more things willingly. The fearlessly honest and forthright words of Jesus, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” too often come haltingly to my mind, to my lips.

Yes, I know I should be more like Mary who was also bravely able to say, “Let it be done to me according to your word” to the angel at the Annunciation. “Let it be” – those three amazing words in that equally amazing song by the Beatles.

“Mother Mary comes to me speaking words of wisdom; let it be.” A beautiful song that brings to mind that exquisite moment where a human being, a young woman, cooperates with God, the Lord of all Creation, to save us all.

And then, that very Son she carries from that agreement, the Perfect assist for God’s plan for humanity, says much the same thing before He gives Himself over for the sake of us all. (Jesus was His mother’s Son, that’s for sure.)

I’m a pathetic version of a God follower, I have to say. And yet, I keep loving a God who keeps loving me, despite my shortcomings. I keep loving a God who keeps forgiving me, despite my continued stumbling and falling. I keep loving a God who keeps reminding me that I am His beloved child and I can never do anything to make Him sever our ties.

I can separate myself, but God never will walk away from me. “We should be so surrendered to God.” Indeed we should. I write about it often, but I still struggle with that surrender. I cling to my desire to control things in my life. Silly me. Give up the fight; why don’t I surrender to a God who only wants the best for me?

If you’re like me, let us pray for the wisdom to understand what the best is. That’s another thing the Holy Spirit can give to each of us – wisdom to know God’s will. But, when we get it, don’t squander it. And just be grateful. Don’t whine or complain or drag our feet…(I’m pointing a finger at myself right there!)

Trust that God’s got a plan for each of us. Then move out in the knowledge that, wherever God leads, something good will come of it precisely because it’s God’s. Stop looking through the pin hole that is our ability to see our lives and the repercussions of our decisions or actions. Because we can’t see much of anything.

Let God’s omniscience see for you. That’s what I need to do. And so do you, if you’ve read this far! When we put God at the center of our hearts we can not only do His will gratefully, (not grudgingly); we can trust that we’re where we’re supposed to be, placed there by a loving God who only wants, ultimately, the best for each of us.