Naturally we seek a positive outcome for our efforts and don’t want to see them wasted. But our worth is not attached to outcomes. Many times we must simply show up and let come what may.
We plant and water the seed, but it is God who makes it grow. The ultimate outcome does not depend on us.
The same is true in much of life.
There is a change we want to see and we have our part to play.
We must show up time and again, even in work unseen by others.
And we must also offer the best version of ourselves – refining our craft and presenting it with the highest excellence.
For example, a farmer must learn the art of farming to know the best time and method to plant his seeds.
Likewise, we must also develop our gifts and grow our talents in order to offer ourselves with excellence. It’s not enough to merely show up if we’ve not done our work beforehand.
But once we’ve done our part, we can let go of the outcomes.
It is God who makes things grow. And as we live by faith, we can surrender the outcome of our life and relationships to him.
For instance, we cannot control how others will respond to our efforts. They might bless us or curse us – grateful for what we offer or demean us before others.
In either case, we offer our best and let come what may. Others can either take it or leave it.
This is not surrendering our efforts to make a difference, but it is letting go of the outcome.
This frees us from much worry and self-contempt and allows us to focus on and enjoy all that God has called us to be.
Plant and water faithfully, trusting the outcome to God.
Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash
