I received a text recently from someone close to me asking for prayer as they were giving up something they enjoyed. They felt the Lord nudging them that it was time to let it go. It was not going to be an easy goodbye and then there would be empty time to fill, not to mention the void it would leave. I quickly let them know that I was so happy they were taking this step of faith and would most assuredly be praying for them. The interesting thing is what they were letting go of didn’t seem like a big deal to me. I mean, as far as unhealthy addictions, this would not have even made the list in my book. But, to this person, it was not okay and it needed to go.

I am at an age where I no longer question when a person feels the need to give up something that in my estimation doesn’t seem like a real threat. I just nod my head and let them know that my heart and prayers will be with them. The days ahead for them won’t be easy.

It’s complicated.

Living out one’s faith is just not that cut and dry. There are things in scripture that are clear “no-no’s.” Things like adultery, lying and cheating. Those are the easy to spot sins that we know we should not be doing. They are not up for debate, just don’t do them.

But then there are the grey areas. You know, the areas that are not as specific, the ones that may be okay for you and not for me.   The areas where the lines seem blurred, and everyone’s lines are different. They are tough to explain and even tougher to let go of because by all rational standards, they really aren’t that bad.

And that is why I love how personal God gets with each of us.

He knows me so well. He knows what is good for me and what I should stay away from, run from even. With my personality I have to be careful not to put too much emphasis on what others think of me. I just want everyone to be happy and I want to be liked. And there is nothing wrong with that. But if I am left to my own devices, what seems innocent enough turns into something that could ruin my life or at the very least steal my joy. No one can make those around them happy, it’s a personal decision. The Lord has to remind me all the time to look to Him for my own happiness. He’ll take care of everyone else.

It’s a daily thing really.

There are certain things I have to do each day to keep my heart and mind focused on Him and if I don’t, it stifles our relationship. And there are some things that I just can’t do or say because He said no, and He knows what I can handle. I have to keep doing what he has asked, for my own good, even if no one around me understands. It isn’t about them, they don’t have to understand.

It’s between the Lord and me, it’s personal.

I’m praying as you read this the Lord will bring something to mind you know he’s been nudging you to walk away from.  It’s holding you back from what is best, from the next glorious thing that he has planned for you. Don’t think for a minute that the enemy of your soul is unaware of the mighty man or woman of God you could be if you allow Him to have full control in your heart and mind. He’ll stop at nothing to hold you back, even if it he has to use something that seems like no big deal.

Let it go.

Whatever it is, whatever grey area it lives in, however much you try to justify it, it is holding you back. Let it go. You may miss it, but as time and growth happens, you will see that freedom is worth the price. And just to make sure it sticks, find someone you trust and ask them to pray for you. You don’t have to divulge all the details if you aren’t comfortable with that, but let them know you need prayer because God is about to do a great work in you, and it’s going be tough.

And then get ready for the ride of your life.

Prayer: Father, we need you to set us free from the less obvious sin that weighs us down. The things that no one else may understand but us. Help us to be willing to lay it down and walk directly into your loving arms, you are waiting to uphold us and walk us to freedom. This life can be so confusing sometimes, so hard to decipher. But, your truth is clear and you will make it known to us if we will only listen. Teach us to really listen and then give us the courage to obey. Help us to take it one day, one moment at a time. You are all we need. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture: “Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” Luke 11:28

 

Bonus: Just in case you’re wondering, yes, I have been humming “Let It Go” from Frozen the whole time I was writing this. You know you were thinking it.