God’s Got You

Blog Friday

I recently oversaw a school assignment with a certain independent child in this house, and here’s pretty much how it went down:

Me: “Hey, I’m pretty sure the instructions said to underline the words in those sentences instead of circling them.”

Child:  No they didn’t.

“Um, yep… they did. If you read the instructions at the top of the page, you’ll find that it says to underline.”

But I’d rather circle them.

“I know you would, but we need to do it the right way. Trust me, it’s always a good idea to follow the instructions.”

But I already circled them.

“I know, babe. You’re going to have to erase the circles, start over, and underline the words like the instructions say.”

But that’s a lot of work. Can’t I just do it my way?

{Insert a conversation on how it might not seem like a big deal to follow instructions in this particular situation, but that there will be times when doing it the right way is the crucial step that can make or break a process…}

As we continued on with the assignment, this child later turned the page to find an additional set of instructions that said to circle a different word category, differentiating the circled words from the underlined words. Ahhhh… I love it when a training opportunity comes together. Heh. As much as we long to do things our own way, we often turn the page to find that there’s a reason for the process beyond what we can initially see.

And like so many parenting situations I find myself in, this fight for independence reminds me of the way I often respond to the guidance of my Heavenly Father.

God’s instructions have been given to me, clearly laid out in His Word. I know that I should read them before proceeding with my daily “assignments,” but I’m pretty sure I’ve got this. I mean, I’ve seen assignments like this before and I feel fairly confident in my own way of doing things. My way’s not really that far off so what could it hurt, right? Plus, who has time to start this process all over again anyway? I’d rather just continue on my own path and push my way through so I can move on to the next assignment with as little work required from me as possible.

But you and I both know that disregarding God’s instructions and going our own way will never produce the satisfaction our hearts long for. 

Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what man is, and that he is not able to dispute with one stronger than he. The more words, the more vanity, and what is the advantage to man?– Ecclesiastes 6:10-11

No matter how planned out or good-intentioned, my plans can never trump God’s.

Simply put, He is God and I am not.

My wisdom comes to an end, but His instructions are perfect. (Psalm 19:7)

My insight is incomplete, but His plans are already written. (Psalm 139:16)

My direction is unsure, but His ways are higher. (Isaiah 55:9)

My path is limited, but His purposes are unstoppable. (Job 42:2)

I am man, and I cannot contend with this mighty God who knows far better than me. And as much as I long to do things my own way, I often turn the page of life to find that there’s a reason for His plans beyond what I can initially see.

So once again, Lord, I lay my independence down at Your feet. I surrender my way of doing things – holding nothing back – and submit to Your will and Your way, for it’s there that I find rest in Your sovereign embrace.

“God’s got you

just like He had you last time

and the time before that

and that other time

and that time after and before that.”

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? –Psalm 8:3-4

You are God and I am not. I may not be in control, but I can trust the One who is…

Whitney

Let’s study God’s Word together!

This blog post is part of Ecclesiastes series. Learn more about this study and join us!
See Bible study
Picture of WhitneyD

WhitneyD

More from this author

0 Responses

  1. Hi, I am married and have two kids growing up to fast. We are living with my mother in law. I do not have problem a with her. She is actually a big help to my family. I actually fail to thank God for her presence in our life. So thank you Lord. She is actually one of my many blessings.
    We are planning to start builing our house this year. I know that it will be a strain for us financially. That has been my worries for a while now.
    Today I surrender my worries to you Lord. I trust you to be there for me when I am down. Please give strenght when I feel that financial presure around me. Let your will be done Lord for I know you have a plan for us. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

    4. Thank you for sharing…It was like I was reading my own life story but with 5 more kids and a little bit of a different relationship with my mother in law. God used it to remind me that He does have a plan and to thank Him even, especially when, things look like things just aren’t going to happen. I’ll be praying for you & your family.

    5. I surrender – I am beginning a new ministry for which funds need to be raised and I’m really nervous about sending out letters to people asking for their financial support as I have done it for 2 different ministries before and am afraid of asking again and worry about what people think and don’t want to be dependent. I need to recognise they are giving to God and He will supply the necessary funds to me. Thanks for your prayers

    1. I gladly surrender but How can I know what God requires of me, I never seem to hear what he is saying, that is if he is speaking to me. I know other people say they hear him, but I never have.

  3. I surrender….I may not know the plans God has for me in regards to my desire to have a spouse, but I trust in Him. I trust His timing and His heart. Please pray for me in this area. Thank you so much! Love and prayers to you <3

  15. Thank you for your words today, Whitney….. Some of them had me laughing out loud, but some brought me up short as I realised that I recognised myself. Yes , that’s me – I do those things (think I can do just as well as God, surely my way is pretty much the same as God’s?).

    God has “got us” though – and that’s AMAZING!

    Blessings on you – and all who read this passage today

  19. I surrender and thank God for His love and patience as I stumble down the path He’s laid for me.

    1. I could have not said it better Shandell, I am right there with you sister! I too surrender as I stumble down my rocky road that God has laid out for me. God guide me in your ways,not mine, and not the ways of this world. Amen

  21. I surrender my worries about finances, my frustration over trying to establish order in our house, my struggle to be more organized. I surrender to how You want to structure my days and the plans You have for my family.

    1. This was my exact conversation with my husband last night after finishing my study in week 4! Just know, you are not alone this struggle!

  22. I surrender my job and it’s unpredictable future. I surrender the children that I teach and all of the ever changing situations that pop up throughout the day.

  30. I surrender! I am facing losing a job that I love and I am good at. I am working in a place that most people would love and experiencing life that people dream of. However, my management is set on ruining me and my career to build herself up. I am almost to the point of choosing to walk away because of the drama and craziness but I know He sent me here. All this and I have no clue as to where I should go or what I should do next. I am at a point where I know God is preparing me for my future life but I have no idea where I am going. My tour would essentially end soon (3-4 mo instead of 2yrs later) and I need HIS guidance and wisdom. I’m a fighter by nature. I detest putting someone down to make oneself the best there is. I surrender. I’m tired. I surrender. I’d love to finish my work here that I was sent out to do. There is a lot to be done but I surrender to whatever needs to happen and where ever I need to go. I need wisdom and clarity.

  41. Dear heavenly Father, I surrender!!! I’m anxious to change my job and have been praying for it since last year March. I surrender Lord, you know what is best for me.

  52. I surrender! Thank you all for this amazing group and for this post today. My husband has been out of work so finances are very tight . My son has disabilities that require me to be with him and we are about to loose our home. But I know that I am so blessed to have God’s plan for us and his love. It’s so amazing and freeing to release those worries and trust that He’s got us . We are so blessed and I am so learning to get myself out of the way and know He is in control and taking care of it all!

    1. The more complicated the more you need to surrender and know that god loves you and is working on your behalf?

  60. I surrender, I feel scared but I surrender Lord. Thank You for never leaving me and for leading me.

  64. Though I am uncomfortable with surrendering it all to You, Father, help me to do so one day at a time. And to break past my unbelief that it won’t happen because of my obstinance. In Jesus name. Amen.

  67. I surrender…AGAIN…and Lord, when You see me pick it back up, reveal it to me so I can keep surrendering!!

  74. From today till Tuesday my son will have an epiphany he will realize that it was his actions that got him the situation that he is in, his anger will be directed at the things that got him there. He will be flooded with positive thoughts and feelings his feelings about me and his mom betraying him will go away by Saturday and all negative emanations will leave his mind and heart. The “friends” he claims to have will be filled with a terrible fear when he tries to call them they will not want to pick up his calls and all his connections and people who give him access to things that are evil. I will create a shield that would keep away anything that causes him anxiety distress I will strengthen his force field ten times make it impenetrable no evil or negative energy will be allowed inside his field. I will drop one very powerful Batista tear from heaven that will wash away the pain caused by this incident will come upon him when he goes to rest.

  75. This weekend I will create a vacuum that will remove all negative energy from where he is at completely bringing a happy environment, the hatred towards his family will leave his heart and light will enter his seals to cleanse them.

  78. I am trying to surrender and receive His wisdom and instruction in a certain area. I need his peace in this and I need to know for sure how I should handle it.

  82. I surrender!!! ALL to God my loving Father and provider, I can not live life on my own, I thank you Lord Jesus for your guidance and Love. Without you I am nothing.

  84. I surrender, Lord. Please help me to remember that your ways are better than my ways.

  88. I surrender! My family has gone from living with my aunt and getting much financial help, to living with my Mother-in-law to living in an abandoned parsonage with no toilet or running water. Talk about humbling! But we know that God is working out something awesome in, for, with and through us. We’ve learned that God will not even allow us to go our own way any longer. Every mortgage application was met with “Unfortunately…”. Every credit help came with a monthly fee. Every plea to family (other than my aunt) was met with regret or disdain. The only one to help us is God. But we must do it His way. Facebook, online games, magazines, all had to go! Like Job said, His word means more to me than my “necessary food”. We will do things His way. We will wait on His timing. We follow His will and obey Him. He is the only One who can bring His great promises to pass. No more Ishmael!

  92. Your timing (God’s timing) with this post is so perfect for me. I have been hearing the same words over and over lately. It is time for me to be still and know the He is God and He has ALL things in control. I surrender my daughter who seeks a relationship I do not see as good for her and my son who has a hard time moving forward. I would appreciate prayer. I continue to give it up and take it back. Thank you and God bless all of you.

  100. Doing this study for the first time today with the group I facilitate. Whitney you always speak right to my heart through God’s words! I SURRENDER!

We know YOU want to make a difference! Join Love God Greatly on a mission to fight biblical illiteracy around the world, and to offer Bible study resources in as many languages as we can.

As a non-profit organization, Love God Greatly exists because of the generosity of women like you who chose to invest in what truly matters.

Every donation makes an impact for eternity!

Donate
Facebook Instagram Pinterest
Copyright © 2014 - 2025 — Love God Greatly. All Rights Reserved. | Love God Greatly is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is overseen by a board of directors. | Tax ID 49-5666684
God's Got You
Welcome to Our New Website!
Please create a new account to download the files.
Signup
First Name*
Last Name*
Email*
Password*
Confirm Password*