Let Go - Rachael Stearns

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory. Ephesians 3:20–21 KJV

I clung to the jar with both hands, refusing to let go.

My eyes filled with tears as I unscrewed the lid and set the jar in the grass. Tiger, my monarch butterfly, had completed metamorphosis and emerged from his blue-gray cocoon overnight. Instead of a pudgy, lethargic worm, Tiger was now a brilliant orange Monarch butterfly. And I had to let him go.

It’s still hard for me to let go. I’ve never forgotten the struggle of watching Tiger fly away on his glimmering pair of new wings. I had spent months feeding him, watching him grow, and checking his chrysalis—all for what? To unscrew the lid and set down the jar. To give up my control.

Sometimes, God asks us to do the same thing. But many times, we come to God with clenched fists around the most valuable things in our lives. We refuse to loosen our grip on that relationship, job, friendship, dream, or sense of security. In doing so, we miss out on the beautiful things God wants to give us.

Living with open hands is scary. It takes faith to unscrew the lid, set down the jar, and let God do what He wants with us. But something beautiful happened when I let Tiger go. He flew away and started something new. He lived and breathed, if only for a little while. That never would have happened if I had clung to him and kept him trapped.

I know it’s difficult to let go. But God wants us to open our hands to Him. He is gracious and kind and gives us only what is best. He can do much more than we ever imagine when we offer Him a soft heart and a surrendered life.

How can you unscrew the lid, set down your control, and see what beautiful things rise from a heart of surrender?

Tweetable: Have you let go so God can step in? 

Rachael Stearns is a professional writing major with a love for Jesus and a passion for reaching people. Apart from writing and graphic design, she loves traveling, running 5Ks, and interior decorating. She looks forward to the adventures God has planned for her after graduation.

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