Leave the Results to God

Posted by Jess

Last night at our small group my friend shared this poem by Elizabeth Elliot:

From an old English parsonage down by the sea

There came in the twilight a message to me;

Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,

Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.

And on through the doors the quiet words ring

Like a low inspiration: “DO THE NEXT THING.”

Many a questioning, many a fear,

Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.

Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,

Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.

Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,

Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;

Do it reliantly, casting all care;

Do it with reverence, tracing His hand

Who placed it before thee with earnest command.

Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,

Leave all results, do the next thing.

Looking for Jesus, ever serener,

Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;

In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,

The light of His countenance be thy psalm,

Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.

Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.

“Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing, Leave all results, do the next thing” 

This really stuck out to me. I just have to trust God with the outcome. I don’t have control over the outcome, I can only do my best and leave the outcome to God. This was surprisingly freeing. It gave me peace. I’ve spent so much time trying to account for and control the outcomes that it debilitated me from doing anything and caused so much anxiety. I was trying to control something too big for my hands. This reminded me not only that God is in control, but that I am safe under his wings. 

Until next time,

☮❤=)
Jess