Release The Reins
Photo taken by Zoe Shaw
In this season, God is REALLY challenging me to let go of my own expectations.
Expectations of what my future should look like…
Expectations of what my role(s) should be…
Expectations of HOW things should happen…
Expectations of WHEN things should happen…
Throughout my life, I always heard people say, “No expectations, no disappointment.” I HATED it. I never understood why anyone would choose not to have expectations for something. If I don’t have expectations, then how am I supposed to measure progress and know if I’m on the right track? I don’t necessarily know the answer to that. What I do know is we (yes, me too) can hold on so tight to these expectations that we neglect to leave room for God to move on our behalf. We start making all these plans without consulting Him, which ultimately leaves us in this vicious cycle of disappointment… with ourselves and God.
God placed a dream on my heart more than 2 years ago. I spent months grappling with whether or not it was truly Him or just my own desire. Then I spent another few months trying to figure what exactly I was supposed to do with this “vision” and drumming up my own plans. The self-inflicted chaos led to hostility toward God. Why wasn’t He giving me the full picture? Why would He drop this dream on my heart with no details? I finally got to a place where I was like, “God, I NEED you to step in.” He said, “I’ve BEEN trying to step in.” Essentially, God is telling me to get out the way so he can do His thing. Do I still have questions? Absolutely; especially since I have taken the initial steps. We know God has His hand on our destiny, but where does our “work” begin and/or end? When I find out, I’ll let you know, cause…(insert HEAVY shoulder shrug here)
But for now, let me share with you a few things I’ve been learning about releasing my own expectations:
1. It allows space for Holy Spirit to move on our behalf: Holy Spirit can do more for us in a day than we can do for ourselves in a lifetime. When we try to control things, we run the risk of drumming up a watered down version of what God wants from us and for us.
2. It allows space for pruning and preparation: I know we’re all fairly familiar with the concept of “being prepared for what God has prepared for us.” Typically, where God is taking us next will require a different, upgraded if you will, version of ourselves.
3. It grounds us: Releasing the reins frees us up to actually enjoy life. Sometimes we can get so caught up with “what’s next” that we neglect to recognize the blessing of the present.
So whatever you “took” out of God’s hands: that dream, vision, even your relationships or career journey; I dare you to give it back. Sometimes holding on so tight to these expectations gives us this (false) sense of control. And we love control, right?
I get it, but now it’s time to release the reins.
