About this time, a man and woman from the tribe of Levi got married. 2 The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months. 3 But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River.” Exodus 2:1-3
A woman of God is filled with Joy at the prospect of welcoming a baby boy, even during a challenging season. In the face of uncertainty, she decided to place her trust in God regarding her son’s future. Trusting God required her to hold her son’s life loosely, which required her to embrace the unknown. She understood God’s timing is flawless, His plans are always timely, and they lead to divine opportunities, no matter the new decree presented.
In times of trial or difficulty, our doubts can open the door for the enemy to plant seeds of uncertainty. It often starts with familiar fears that may stem from our past, present, or even the unknown of our future. Before we know it, we find ourselves overanalyzing situations, forgetting that it was God who first placed His blessing upon us! When we let fear challenge the intentions behind God’s actions, we begin to tighten our hold on control. This behavior creates a stronghold rooted in the “fears of uncertainty.” It’s a moment when negative thought patterns, prideful attitudes, or external influences leave a deep mark on the heart and mind of a believer. This shift happens when we no longer trust God’s perfect plan during challenging moments.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by circumstances beyond your grasp? It’s important to be cautious about the idea of control. When we unknowingly activate this stronghold, we find ourselves gripping tighter, believing we can regain our footing. The more we try to hold on, the more we risk losing our grip entirely.
By choosing to approach situations loosely, we communicate to God, “I trust you, even if it makes no sense through my own understanding.” Isaiah 55:8 states, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
Think about the day you dedicated your child back to Christ. What significance did that dedication hold? We publicly declare to hold on to our child loosely while “directing your children onto the right path and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (Proverbs 22:6) Jochebed made the profound choice to return her child to God by releasing him, even if it meant her plans were set aside. She hid her son and placed him in a small papyrus basket, setting him adrift in the river. She entrusted God with her son’s future. As she watched him float away, she surrendered him to God’s will, grateful for the blessing of motherhood. She walked away, confident that God would fulfill His promises for both her and her son. While this act may have seemed illogical in the physical realm, it was a spiritual decision that allowed God to work out His purpose for Moses, his family, and the people of Israel. This act served to inspire others around her to the powerful lesson of trusting God.
In the natural, circumstances may seem impossible, but if we stop for a moment, repent of our lack of trust (control), loosen our grip, and concentrate on God, we can begin to see His plan. Psalms 25:4-6 states, “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long, I put my hope in you.”
I encourage you to pay attention to how you react. Do your emotions reveal your fears rather than the actual challenges you face? The story of Jochebed serves as a powerful example of how to navigate through difficult times. She sets aside her need to control, recognizing that true obedience aligns with God’s will. By releasing our grip, we place our trust in Him, allowing God to act on our behalf. Like Jochebed, we can confidently move forward, knowing God will fulfill His promise! Sometimes the answers to our situation require the courageous act of letting go!”
In which area of your life do you find it challenging to place your trust in God, whether they are significant or minor? What is the root behind you clinging so firmly? Is there an experience or a familiar situation that influences your response? Does your behavior reflect that state of your heart? How do you react when encouraged to release something or someone? What feelings arise in those moments? Are you holding on tightly because it defines who you are, maintains your current situation, or perhaps even relates to a title you hold? None of these factors should hinder us from fulfilling the will of the Father!
Prayer:
We come before you, Father, asking for your forgiveness for the times we’ve read your Word yet overlooked the profound power in each story. Thank you for opening our eyes and ears to the truths found within your teachings. Today, I choose to release everything you have asked me to let go of over the years. Take this time to list them…and give them back to God…We repent for our moments of doubt in your promises and for our desire to maintain control. Forgive us for being disobedient to the Holy Spirit. Align my heart with yours so that I may fulfill your will by placing my trust in you completely. Forgive me for allowing the familiar situation to provoke fear or uncertainty in my responses. Help me to stop questioning your intentions. I ask that you reveal any “open doors” from my past that lead me to cling too tightly to what is at hand. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring these things to your mind and wait….. Then renounce them…. I choose to move forward, knowing that no matter what happens, you are always a good, good, Father. We give you all the glory, honor, and praise, in Jesus’ Name, I let it go!! Amen!
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