Let Be.

Our prayer focus this week is Let Be.

This isn’t a passive place of resignation. Neither is it an commanding directive.

“Let be” holds the sweet spot (or challenging tension!) of patience and readiness together.

We hear the power of that focus when Jesus said: … I do nothing on my own initiative, but I only speak the truth that the Father has revealed to me. I am his messenger and he is always with me, for I only do that which delights his heart. John 8:28b-29

Jesus allowed God to initiate what he did and reveal to him when and what to speak. He chose to live within limits and for delight.  A picture of patient readiness.

Let’s re-visit The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Early in the book, Gandalf is recruiting Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, to join the dwarves on a mission. They are setting out to rescue a kingdom and it’s treasure from a dragon in order to restore it back to the rightful heirs and family.

There’s a brief argument happening before they set out. Bilbo is insecure in his role and makes it clear that he didn’t initiate himself being chosen to go or even sure he wanted to be part of it. The dwarves get nervous and complain that Bilbo probably isn’t the one who should join them. Neither Bilbo Baggins nor the dwarves have confidence in him as the right choice.

To which Gandalf responds.. “Let’s have no more argument. I have chosen Mr. Baggins and that ought to be enough for all of you. If I say he is a Burglar, a Burglar he is, or will be when the time comes. There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself. You may (possibly) all live to thank me yet.”

Is God choosing you enough?

Which is more challenging for you - patience or readiness?

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; 

courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; 

accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; 

taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; 

trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; 

that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him

forever in the next. Amen.

Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)