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I’m doing a final review of a project when an unexpected wave of fear sweeps over me. I suddenly remember (as all artists do at some point) that the work I have completed in the quiet will soon be seen by a crowd.
I’m not alone in that feeling. The accountant who must present her spreadsheets in a meeting knows it. The mom whose child is launched into the world understands it. The runner who trains on the back roads and then takes her place at the starting line battles it.
And in those moments we all want assurance of success.
I began to ask, “How can I make sure this goes well?” And a verse from Proverbs popped into my mind: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” {Prov. 16:3} I paused and considered the words. Was this a guarantee from God that everything would go the way I’d like? Life experience and the rest of His Word would seem to tell me otherwise.
Slowly I began to see the true meaning: Success isn’t about outcome; it’s about obedience.
The “success” this verse talks about is set in motion not when the results are in but as soon as we say, “God, I give this to you.” He thinks differently than we do. To Him, every obedient “yes” is already a success.
I’ll confess a part of me wishes that verse meant what I want will always happen too. But when I look back over my life I realize there have been many times when what I thought would be best would actually have been a mess.
And the real relief is that when I commit something to God, I no longer have to carry it. I don’t bear the weight of the expectations, fears and pressure. I can faithfully do what He’s asked and know He will take care of the rest. Whew.
I return to my project and the familiar fear fades with this realization: Who I’m turning this over to matters more than how it all turns out. God’s got this. He’s got me too. And whatever happens next, in His eyes it will be a success.
XOXO
Holley Gerth
- If you like this post, you’ll love this book – You’re Loved No Matter What: Freeing Your Heart from the Need to Be Perfect
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I’m having Coffee For Your Heart with my friend Holley Gerth
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