“Sometimes you have to let go of some things to save the most important thing.”
—Ann Voskamp
One of the most helpful exercises I’ve participated in took place at a retreat I attended a few months ago. The leader asked us to make a LIST of things we were LEAVING BEHIND and things we were TAKING AWAY.
The exercise took place during the darkest period of my life. My marriage, family, ministry and future were hanging in the balance. As I prayed about what God wanted me to leave and what He wanted me toke, I sensed Holy Spirit leading me to Isaiah 61. As I read the chapter, I made the following list:
What I’m Taking vs What I’m Leaving:
Beauty instead of ashes
Joy instead of grief
Hope instead of despair
Strength instead of weakness
Wholeness instead of brokenness
Wealth instead of lack
A double portion instead of shame
Identity and inheritance instead of disgrace
Peace instead of anxiety
Love instead of fear
Gentleness instead of anger
Patience instead of frustration
Grace instead of performance
Resilience instead of hopelessness
A vibrant and restored marriage instead of divorce
What about you? Eleven day into a brand new year. What do you need to leave behind? What do you need to take with you? What is God saying to you?
Ann Voskamp nailed it when she wrote: “Sometimes you have to let go of some things to save the most important thing.”
Isaiah said it like this.
“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?”
—ISAIAH 43:18-19 MSG