Relinquish: By Faith: Prayers and Poetry

Relinquish

When the day calls

to test a heart

who will stand firm

for a promise still distant

willingly release

all that one values

with tears cascading

hold open hands.

Psalm 104:18, “The high mountains are for the wild goats; The cliffs are a refuge for the rock badgers.”

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Hebrews 11:30, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days.”

Have you ever wondered what kind of conversations went on in the ranks over those seven days? Did hope or doubt or confusion grow with each passing night?

Confidence or cowardice. Ribald jokes or nervous twitters.

Did the warriors groan as their adrenaline rush decreased with inactivity while the families eased a sigh of relief at another day of no blood shed—yet.

Yet whatever the individual or group concerns over lack of seeming practical campaign strategy, they did not whine or moan as their ancestor had at the Red Sea. In spite of confusion at these new tactical orders, they obeyed. And walked daily in faith—not seeing—not even being able to imagine what exactly it was they were doing.

We expect instant answers to immediate problems today. With all the information available at our fingertips we assume quick replies. And if they don’t come we then assume we are in control, or it’s up to us to find a solution. Or chafe at the thought of waiting—with no concrete or definable plan of attack. And miss out on astonishment.

Lord, please help us not to resist Your ways when they seem inconceivable. Instead enable us to see through Your perspective and Your possibilities. Help us be willing to relinquish our solutions towards conflict with solutions beyond our ability to achieve. And trust Your word alone.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 46:9-10

“He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow

and cuts the spear in two; He burn the chariots with fire.

Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the

nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Relinquish

When the day calls

to test a heart

who will stand firm

for a promise still distant

willingly release

all that one values

with tears cascading

hold open hands.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

            1.What do you consider your greatest treasure in different areas of your life: personal, vocational, spiritual?

            2. Has God ever asked you to relinquish any?

            3. Why? And what was the result?

            4. Are you willing to do it again? Why or why not?

            5. Is there one area you find yourself holding back from?

Share: How do you seek God’s will for your loved ones?