My daughter is 34 weeks pregnant. Soon, there will be another little Storm running through the house.

As the time has approached, discussion with my oldest grandchild, Joy has been initiated. Topics of what to expect, how it would all work out, when it could happen. You know the types of things young children are interested in knowing.

At the end of one discussion, Joy said, “Mommy, can you make sure she isn’t born on a Monday?”

The innocence of childhood is priceless!

There are some things in life that we simply do not have control over. We must release our hold on these areas of our lives and allow them to happen as they will.

But there are those who struggle with letting go. We call them “control freaks.” Every detail must be attended to. Regardless of how minuscule it might be, a control freak must at least put a finger on it to make it their own.

And what about the times when that just isn’t possible? How are we to deal with those situations? Let’s see what God has to say about it.

Pray About It

There are many passages that teach us to pray about everything. God wants to hear about it all. Including the small stuff. So don’t hesitate to share it all with Him. Remember He cares for you!

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18 – NIV)

“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:13a, 16b)

And even if we don’t know what to pray, God has supplied His Spirit to help with that. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” (Romans 8:26 – NIV)

Give It to Him

This may be the most difficult step to take. Giving it to Him and not taking it back! But God wants to carry your burdens. Your concerns. Your problems. Even the things you have no control over. He wants them all. His Word tells us so.

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22 – NIV)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 – NIV)

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 – NIV)

After we give any issue to God, we must trust Him with their care. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 – NIV)

Don’t Worry About It

I hear you all screaming. “Ha! Easy for you to say!” I know. Worrying is so natural for us. But Scripture clearly tells us not to worry.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25 – NIV)

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:27 – NIV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 – NIV)

Think About Something Else

So if we aren’t to worry, what should we be doing? Thinking about and doing something else. Here are a few ideas from Scripture.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30 – NIV)

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 – NIV)

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 – NIV)

Accept It as It Comes

Jesus is our example here. He accepted God’s plan. He fulfilled God’s plan. And He did so with an accepting spirit.

“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39 – NIV)

We also can see this same accepting spirit in the Apostle Paul as he shares with the Philippian Church. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13 – NIV)

Praise God for the Result

In the end, God must be praised.

“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” (Psalm 71:14 – NIV)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3 – NIV)

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 – NIV)

As I continue to wait for the birth of my fourth grandchild, I will keep these steps in mind. I pray that as you go through your daily life that you might find a message here. Something that will truly bless your heart through God’s Word.

What a comfort to know that God wants to care for us. Why would we ever want it any other way?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna