Release It!

“For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the heavens:” Ecclesiastes 3:1

The other day I was working on a project that had taken up quite a bit of my time and mental energy. It was an assignment that I had received from God, so there should have been no problem with me getting it done in a timely manner. But for some reason, this one was different. I had worked on it and worked on it for days. It seemed as if the more attention that I gave it, the less progress I was making. I was so frustrated that I let my tongue get the best of me. Before I knew it, I threw up my hands and said, “I give up!” I turned off my computer and decided that I was done. Clearly I had missed God on this one. Why else would it seem impossible to do?

As things normally go with me and Holy Spirit, He gave me some time to justify the decision that I had made with my frustrated flesh. I knew in my spirit that my decision to give up was not in alignment with the assignment but I wasn’t feeling real spiritual at the moment. Had I been more in touch with my spirit man I would have remembered that difficulties are not a sign that I missed God, but a sign that I was right on track and the presence of the enemy was my confirmation.

It took a moment for me to circle back to the place of agreement to complete what God had given me to do. My solution was found in Ecclesiastes 3:5b, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;”

As I read these words I heard Holy Spirit speak to me and say, “Don’t give it up, release it to Me.” Immediately, I recognized where my frustration was coming from. I was putting all my confidence in myself. I didn’t think I needed the assistance of Holy Spirit to complete a project that I was experienced in doing. And while that may have been true in times past, it was not true in this instance. I had embraced this project as my own. I knew what I was doing, and I was going to complete it with the same tenacity and excellence as I am prone to do. I would release it to God when I was done with it and I had full assurance that God would be pleased. Have you ever been there?

Whether this mindset was Godly confidence or fleshly arrogance, Holy Spirit was not having it this time. He took advantage of this teaching moment to humble me and to help me at the same time. Clearly, I needed to get over myself!!! I had begun to put more confidence in my flesh and less dependency on Holy Spirit. I quickly repented, released my abilities unto Him and allowed Him to lead the project to its successful end!

Yes, God has equipped us with many skills and abilities. And yes, there are many times when we are allowed to embrace them almost without thought. But never are we to forget to seek for the wisdom of Holy Spirit and for guidance. His opinion matters and it matters the most!!! If you are struggling in any area where you believe you have heard from God, please check with Holy Spirit. Humbly refrain from embracing it, give it unto Him and accept His help. You will be glad that you did!

Blessings!