Let go. Then, let God.

I've been pondering how, in order to experience more of God’s grace and power in our lives, I have to let go of more of me.

What I mean is that I’m realizing that there’s not a shortage of God’s grace; it’s endless, never changing.

But, I think we often look at our lives, circumstances, what have you, and we go “I guess God just doesn’t want to do that in my life” or even “how could God allow _____??”… or idk, maybe it’s just me haha.

And look - no one can fully understand why things happen the way they do, I get that.

But at looking in Hebrews, John, the Corinthians, Romans, Ephesians, etc., I’m seeing a pattern this week… one that has been rubbing me the wrong way a little....... if I’m being honest.

I keep thinking (I would NEVER say this out loud lol) that I’ve got it figured out.

I’m set.

Who I am is who I am - quirks, strengths, all of it - it’s set, locked in, done deal.

And it’s great. More people should like me for who I am.

… ugh that pride lol.

But what I see in Scripture is actually that the less of me (my pride, sin, self-centeredness, greed, envy, etc.) there is in my life, the more that God’s grace and power can take hold of my life and actually operate fully, like how God desires in the first place.

But instead of starting with “why God??” I actually need to look inside and check how far I am off course, and correct the things that are made aware to me in that moment.

Sometimes it’s small, almost petty stuff.

Other times, it’s total lifestyle changes (how I speak, how I plan, how I spend money, how I spend time, etc etc).

But ultimately, it starts with me making a deliberate effort to let go of the things that don’t align with God, making room for more of His Spirit, power, and grace.

So yeah, never quit, don’t stop, keep forging ahead.

But start with first things first.

Never stop asking the Lord to search the heart.

Never stop chipping away and removing the areas that need to go, no matter how “native” to you they might be.

Call sin what it is - sin.

Don't justify anything.

No excuses.

You’re not here for you.

You’re here for God.

There’s a whole lot more He can do with you if you’d just let go (of you) and hold on (to Him).

I needed to hear that tonight.