We have a problem. We like to be in control.

Whatever the situation, wouldn’t it just go better if it turned out the way we wanted?!

But we aren’t that powerful.

Along my journey, I’ve had to learn a difficult lesson. That is, that I can’t control everything that happens. On a good day, all I can control… is me! Another way to say this is that I’m abandoning outcomes. I do what I can do, and I trust God with the results.

LET GO OF RESULTS

I remember when I was starting out as a contractor, it became obvious that my rates were low that we weren’t making ends meet. After talking with some mentors, I realized I needed to double my rates and ask for what I needed. But that was scary! What if people no longer hired me and I had less work!?? I couldn’t control who hired me, but what could I control? I always did my best and acted with integrity, taking responsibility even when I screwed up. I did raise my rates, and God continued to bring more clients.

The point is that I had to abandon the outcome. I needed to be faithful to what God has called me to no matter the results. That’s a tough one because sometimes we have to do things that aren’t popular. We may have to take the high road that may yield less business, or serve others to help them succeed, even when it seems worse for us. When we are doing life with God, we keep following an

d obeying, trusting God for the results!

Easier said than done, right!?

Pastor and author, Bill Gaultiere writes, "Abandoning outcomes to God is an alert and vigorous process of anticipating situations, praying about them, and being responsible to do what needs to be done--while putting confidence in God to direct the outcomes" (The Best Life, 36). He describes how this may feel like the longer path sometimes and others may even be disappointed in us.

LET GO OF PEOPLE PLEASING

We have to release our desire to please others. We can’t even control our own reputation! Thankfully, God knows our hearts. We endeavor to walk close to him and trust him with everything else. Of course, the goal is to love others the way Jesus does, but that doesn’t mean they’ll like you! Sometimes, you can do everything right, and it will feel like things all go wrong!

One time Jesus was teaching the disciples about worry.  He pointed out the flowers and how they didn’t have to worry, but yet, “not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” (Matthew 6:29 NIV). Instead of worrying about things, we trust God. Jesus continues and says that God knows what you need! Our part is to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (v33).

Have you ever considered that worry is a sin? The power of worry is broken by the power of the cross! Jesus finished by saying, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (v34).

In other words, we seek God and abandon the outcomes.

WALK IN HUMILITY

Humility is not about putting yourself down, but it’s also not about an inflated sense of our own selves. We know our place. We are highly valued by our Father in heaven, yet we are also nothing without him! We can accomplish amazing things and create masterpieces, but all of this comes from God.

As we follow Jesus we become less self-centered and more God-centered. Our focus is on God’s ways and we do our part to stay connected to Jesus. Our attitudes reflect Jesus’ work in us. We may not be able to control the results, but we are full of hope to see the goodness of God. We aren’t abandoned to a life of chance. We are abandoned to God. We place ourselves in his hands. As Psalms 91 says, God is our protector and we trust him to take care of us:

“He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:4).

As we abandon ourselves to God, releasing our desire to control outcomes and situations, we also find the peace of God that is beyond our understanding. It’s not about resignation, but actively seeking the Lord and relying on his care.

From Peter's Blog: https://peterbales.substack.com.