It seems so natural to try and carry heavy burdens alone while struggling to survive
the daily trials of life. Storms come, winds blow, and sometimes we can barely hang
on. The Enemy tries to wrap chains around us, and we realize itªs spiritual warfare.
ÒFor our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly realmsÓ (Ephesians 6:12, NIV).
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Let God take over every minute detail of your being."
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As Christians, we do not need to be bound by chains that choke us because Christ died
to set us free. You may have tried different ministries or felt a constant struggle
in one ministry. But are you relying on God wholeheartedly or only halfway? Let go of
your own ways that have consistently failed and the yoke you carry alone because of
pride. It will eventually crush you. ÒLet us throw off everything that hinders and the
sin that so easily entanglesÓ (Hebrews 12:1, NIV). Let go of your sadness, your hurt,
your hardships, and everything you call your own. Let it go, and let God take over every
minute detail of your being. Let go of control, and let God be God.
Mediocrity in your spirituality inevitably affects other areas in your life and may
actually restrict you from the places God wants to take you. You may try to hold onto
the yoke fearing if you let go, you may lose control. But God will give you more than
control if you let go; He will give you freedom.
When things look bleak and youªre not sure how you will survive tomorrow, God will
provide for your daily needs as He did for AGTS student Katherine Sobey, who lost a
husband and daughter, leaving her with five children to raise. He is a faithful God,
bringing miracles and using others to bless us simply because He loves us.
ÒI led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. I lifted the yoke from
their neck and bent down to feed themÓ (Hosea 11:4, NIV). When we let go and let God,
He lifts the yoke. He takes away the burden and replaces it with peace beyond all understanding.
Welcoming the Holy Spirit opens the heart for intimacy with God. According to Richard
Dresselhaus, ÒItªs all about the heart.Ó Effectiveness in ministry goes beyond academics.
It starts with a burning passion to serve God with total heart, soul, and mind. AGTS
is implementing spiritual formation programs to help students grow in their spiritual
walks while attending seminary in preparation for ministry.
After being stretched and molded at AGTS, 2001 alumnus David Huskisson takes his passion
for Christ to reach his community. He let go of the Òcookie-cutterÓ approach to church
growth patterns and let God have His way to develop an ethnically diverse inner-city
church that reaches out to all races and socioeconomic groups. His own ministry ideologies
changed when God opened his eyes to the needs around him. He delivers more than sermons
on Sundays. This pastor is actively involved in community projects and outreaches. Huskisson
continues to think outside of the four walls. Whatever your circumstances may be, donªt
limit God.
You may feel stressed, tired, and overwhelmed, but you may be carrying around the wrong
yoke. Randy Walls challenges us in his article to be Òequally yoked to Christ.Ó When
you let go of your own heavy, burdensome yoke and let God have control over your lives,
Òyou will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is lightÓ (Matthew
11:29, 30, NIV). By taking on the yoke of Christ, you are bound to Him, passionately
communing with Him, similar to the intimacy of marriage. You no longer belong to yourself,
but to another. You belong to Christ.
Rid yourself of a mediocre walk with God. There will be a day when He will spit out
the lukewarm and say, ÒI never knew you.Ó Humble yourself before the Creator and let
Him do His business with you. Donªt wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow may be too late. Draw
near to Him today. He will draw near to you and give you a passion for Him if you ask.
He hears our prayers and is faithful, so let go and let God have His way in everything
in your life. May revival stir in your hearts today.
Considering AGTS?
Let
Go and Let God