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Hold Loosely to Outcomes; Hold Tightly to Jesus

Hold Loosely to Outcomes; Hold Tightly to Jesus

Editor's note: Enjoy today's devotion from Come Close to Jesus by Lysa TerKeurst.

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“Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.”Mark 14:36

Whether you’re reeling from a life-altering circumstance, or you’re wrestling through something not turning out the way you thought it would, unexpected hard places can leave you hopeless. I know because I’ve been there too.

The only way I could fall asleep was to lie to myself: If I can just fall asleep, when I wake up, I’ll realize that this is a nightmare that will soon end. But that wasn’t reality. The next morning, I would wake up, and the devastation was there in an even more heartbreaking way.

One thing I want you to know:

You are not alone in wanting things to be different and asking God to change your situation.

Did you know that even Jesus asked God to change His circumstances and fix what God surely could have fixed in an instant?

Right before He was arrested and eventually crucified, Jesus cried out:

Abba, Father... everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me.Mark 14:36

I have found such comfort in remembering the humanity of Jesus.

Yes, His divinity made Him perfect and sinless, but His humanity felt the brutal weight of human hurt. He understands loneliness, devastation, and betrayal by people He should have been able to trust. He knows what it’s like to be lied to, misunderstood, falsely accused, and rejected. And because I know He felt what I feel, I know I can trust Him to lead me through whatever I’m facing.

Abba, Father,

Devastating circumstances have left me weary, confused, and at times hopeless. I never expected to be in this situation. When things in my life feel so uncertain, I am tempted to shrink back in fear or roar forward in control or anger.

Thank You that You understand. When I press into Your love, it leaves me hopeful. Help me to pray like You, “Not what I will, but what You will.” You have perspective and insight I don’t have, so help me trust You with the unfolding. Especially now, when my life feels so unpredictable, I thank You for the promise that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Excerpted with permission from Come Close to Jesus by Lysa TerKeurst, copyright Lysa Terkeurst Florida LLC.

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Your Turn

You are not alone in wanting things to be different and asking God to change your situation. Jesus did, so don’t be surprised when circumstances arise that you want God to remove. He understands and He will lead you through. ~ Devotionals Daily