Inside: Do you sometimes find yourself hoping for a particular ending more than you trust the Author of the ending? Here’s one way to change your perspective. ~
Do you trust in something more than you trust in God?
Most of us would probably like to say no, and the desire of our hearts may be exactly that. But our thoughts and actions may suggest a different answer.
Perhaps we trust in acceptance, affirmation or alternative medicine. Maybe it’s Google, our favorite news channel or our ability to control our circumstances.
Happy Endings
If I’m completely honest, I’d have to say that my response has to do with happy endings and closure and desperately wanting to know how things are going to turn out.
This is OK when it comes to reading the ends of books first (which I do, all the time) or checking the internet for spoilers when I’m taking a bathroom break during a movie (which I also do, sometimes).
In real life, though, it can be a serious problem.
There’s a certain way I often feel—physically and emotionally—when I am waiting, in limbo or uncertain of an outcome. I’m more prone to irritability during those times. I’m readily anxious. My stomach sours and my sleep grows even more fitful than it normally is.
Then, when the question is answered, the wait ends or the outcome becomes evident—good or bad—calming waves of peace sweep over me. I don’t know how to explain it other than that. I just feel better.
Trusting in the Outcome
Some of this is part of being human, and some might be due to my personality. But I think the lion’s share of this progression of feelings has to do with trusting in the outcome instead of the God of the outcome.
Thankfully, I’m not powerless to stop it, and neither are you if you recognize this tendency in yourself. There is a divine antidote that can alter our perspective and calm our anxious hearts when we’re waiting for closure, and it is as familiar as it is life-changing.
Simply put, it involves praying the way Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before He was crucified. As you may recall, He asked God three times for another way, but He followed each request with that amazing statement of submission, “Not my will, but yours be done.” (See Matthew 26:36-44.)
How We Learned
As I describe here, Randy and I learned the power of this prayer a couple of decades ago when we were struggling with infertility. We regularly told God of our desire for a child, but we always followed it with Jesus’ words, “Not my will, but yours be done.”
This is a difficult way to pray. Back then, though, it was the only concrete way I found to relinquish my dreams and desires to God. It helped me loosen my grip on my desires and vocalize my trust that my sovereign heavenly Father truly did know what was best for our family.
We eventually adopted our two daughters from China. And the entire experience—including the wonderful outcome—paved the way for an increasing reliance on this prayer in many other areas of my life.
From unexpected job losses and homes that took way too long to sell to concerns about aging parents and difficult medical issues, it’s been the only sure way I know to replace my anxiety about an uncertain outcome with quiet trust in God.
Not my will, but yours be done.
What Happens
I don’t always think to do this right off the bat. Sometimes it takes me days—even weeks—to get there. But when I finally remember and start meditating on this prayer, something amazing happens.
My heart relaxes. The sourness leaves my stomach. Honestly, I’m just nicer to be around.
I’m still not fond of waiting. I still read the ends of books first. And all these years later, I’m still learning to place my hope and trust in the Author of the ending instead of the ending itself.
God is sovereign. He is good. He loves us and knows what we need. Praying this prayer helps us remember that.
Not my will, but yours be done.
• • •
If you also tend to trust more in the outcome than you should, I highly recommend a new book by my friend Abby McDonald: Surrendering Certainty: Hearing God Today by Letting Go of Tomorrow.
Abby was a member of my online writing critique group this past year. Not only is she an excellent editor and writer, she also has a wonderful heart. I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of her book last fall and sharing an endorsement for it. Here’s what I said:
When it comes to following God’s plan for our lives, we often want to know exactly what the future holds, along with step-by-step instructions for how to make it happen. However, as Abby points out in Surrendering Certainty, hearing from God is less about future outcomes and more about present peace and obedience.
If you’re stuck—craving security, paralyzed with fear, worried about making the wrong choice, doubting your ability to fulfill God’s call—this book provides a wise and thoughtful way forward. By asking probing questions, sharing personal struggles, and drawing truth from scripture, Abby helps us see that trusting God for the next step is what brings true freedom.
You can learn more about Surrendering Certainty at Abby’s website, abbymcdonald.org.
♥ Lois
There is a divine antidote that can alter our perspective and calm our anxious hearts when we’re waiting for closure, and it is as familiar as it is life-changing. Share on X I’m still not fond of waiting. I still read the ends of books first. And all these years later, I’m still learning to place my hope and trust in the Author of the ending instead of the ending itself. Share on XP.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.