When God says let go

Here we go again. Well it’s not my fault that when I opened my radio this evening, my default AM channel, DZAS is blaring an impassioned sermon about letting go by Christian writer and preacher Chuck Swindoll. Pastor Chuck of course has been a household name for me growing up in a rather reserved Christian family, and his preaching are not really that unfamiliar and foreign to me.

But what struck me this time was not Pastor Chuck’s highly convicted homiletic as usual. What struck me most and what prompted me to write this rather impulsive sentiment was the resounding message which I believe was directed at me. The target was locked in precision, and like a homing missile found its way into me and blasted everything for all it was worth.

And for all it was worth, I was again reminded that letting go is truly a daily battle that must be fought. And most of the time, it must be fought within the deepest recesses of the soul. I was just glad that I am now learning its most important lessons, and I’m now on the way to fully appreciating all the good things that comes out of that letting go.

Pastor Chuck’s illustration for tonight’s message is the life of Abraham, specifically his obedience to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. Of course, when letting go and great obedience is discussed, Abraham always tops the list. Besides, he was not considered in the bible as the father of faith for nothing. His life is marked by great tests, and great steps toward those tests. He was asked to go out of his comfort zone and leave everything behind to go to somewhere he wasn’t sure of; he was asked to trust in a promise which common sense considers as impossible; and most importantly, he was tested to give up something (or someone) he loves very much.

And that’s where the message hit home: I believe in God, but the question is, do I believe in God as Abraham did with full conviction? Will I be willing to be tested, and when I’d be given tests, will I respond in faith or in fear? Will I surrender my comfort and something I love for the sake of obedience?

I have already surrendered some things in my life that I thought would eternally make me happy. I was mistaken to believe that things of this world are here to stay. It took heartbreaking God-moments before I came to realize that. And I am grateful.

So now I resolve to obey continually. I want to slay the dragons of disobedience and unbelief. I will not only surrender to God, but also respond in faith. I know that the battle is hard, but it has already been won. The battle has been fought well, and I am now taking charge.

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