Stop Pushing So Hard – Let Go & Let God

A Lesson in the Chaos

Have you ever heard the term, Let go and let God? Yeah, me too. But, we all know that it’s a lot harder said than done, am I right?

It was the Tuesday night before Thanksgiving, and with my three kids in tow, I finished my shopping at Safeway and walked toward the door, only to realize that the doors were locked.

Already overstimulated from my angry, cart-strapped toddler screaming for the last 15 minutes, repetitive badgering from my 7- and 15-year-olds saying, “Mom? Mom? Mom?” every 12 seconds, and the unexpected almost $200 for 10 items, frustration boiled over.

In that chaotic moment, I had no idea that a simple door would teach me one of the most profound lessons of my faith.

“You just have to push the door,” the clerk said from his station. Miraculously, the door swung open, and we were able to avoid the extra five minutes it would have taken to walk to the opposite end of the store, around the building, and back to our car.

God Speaks Through the Everyday

As I pushed the cart carrying my toddler and Thanksgiving groceries, I turned around to see my 7-year-old pushing against the door with all of her might, trying to close it. Every time she pushed, the door gave an inch, only to bounce back two.

“Mom! The door won’t close!” she shouted at me.

You know those moments when you’re 100% sure God is speaking to you through someone else? Yup. This was exactly that.

My 15-year-old quickly popped up and said, “Just let it go. It’ll close on its own.”

When I say that statement hit me like a ton of bricks… I’m not exaggerating. Instantly I realized that the things I have been striving so hard for, God is trying to do for me—if only I would let go.

Letting Go and Trusting God

This moment reminded me of how often we struggle in our strength, forgetting that God has already paved the way. If we simply remember the words of our Savior Jesus in those moments, we have the answers we need.

Psalm 127:1-2 tells us:
“Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved.”

The reality is, everything we try to do without the Lord is in vain because He is the one who establishes our steps and guides our path.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

A Picture of God’s Patience

Imagine this: You’ve planned a grand birthday party for your child, filled with everything their little hearts could dream of. All they have to do is show up because you’ve taken care of everything else. You wait and wait for your child to come, but when you call, they don’t answer.

So, you glance at their GPS location, and you see that they are on a completely different path, headed their own way.

But the party!!!

You call again. No answer.

Finally, after hours of detours, your child arrives. They walk in and are shocked by the magnificent party decorations, presents, food, and celebration. In that moment, they realize how much time they wasted wandering on their own, when you had already prepared everything for them.

This is how I imagine God feels waiting for us to listen to Him. But unlike us, God is endlessly patient. The guests don’t go home. The celebration doesn’t end. He waits ever so lovingly for us to arrive because He knows the appointed time we are meant to get there.

But if we listen to Him, we don’t have to waste time on our own path. We can enjoy the celebration at God’s perfect time.

A Call to Let Go

This Thanksgiving season, take a moment to reflect on what you’re pushing against. Is there something God is asking you to let go of? Are you holding on to control when He’s simply asking you to trust Him?

Let’s choose to step back, listen for His guidance, and trust that He’s already planned something more magnificent than we could ever imagine.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

It’s time to stop pushing so hard. Let go and let God.

I Would Love to Hear from You

What’s something God is calling you to let go of today? What have you been pushing to make happen, that God is saying “Let me.”?

And what strategies will you use to start letting go?

Let me know below in the comments.