Written by Bill Gaultiere, a contemporary psychologist and spiritual mentor and founder of the Soul Shepherding ministry.
All of us long to experience peace that surpasses understanding. But let’s be honest — sometimes being confident and secure in Jesus through every situation feels impossible… How do you react when… Nothing goes according to plan? There’s too much on your plate? Others misunderstand you? Your children make troubling choices? People you love are indifferent to your encouragement and support? Situations like this often tempt us to make things happen or control what others think about us.But stressful circumstances are also an invitation to abandon outcomes to God — a discipline of submission to the sovereign Lord that brings tremendous peace and power. In his book Renovation of the Heart, Dallas Willard teaches about abandoning outcomes to God as a foundational lesson for our formation in Christ and soul care. He writes: “The secret to peace, as great apprentices of Jesus have long known, is being abandoned to God” … Abandoning outcomes isn’t becoming passive or neglectful. It’s choosing to do your best but not trust your best — instead, you’re trusting God. It’s an attitude that says, I can’t control this result or how people react to me. So I choose to release it to God and trust him. It might be surprising to learn that we’re greatly empowered by God when we stop trying to make things happen. We experience fresh grace — discovering that our Heavenly Father is moving generously and powerfully, and we can join his action. Dallas paints a vivid picture of the action included in abandoning outcomes to God: “We are no longer spectators, but are caught up in a vivid and eternal drama in which we play an essential part. We embrace our imposed circumstances, no matter how tragic they seem, and act for the good in a power beyond ourselves.”
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. [Proverbs 3:5-6]
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