Gotta Give You Up
Dad it’s becoming a normal routine. I wake up several times throughout each night with you heavy on my mind. Of course, I’m concerned about all that is going on with you. I go to bed with you heavy on my mind. I wake up each day with you heavy on my mind.
Deep down I know God is in control. There’s no doubt God is using your pain and that dreaded “C” word. I recall very vividly that night four days before Christmas. That Friday night we both heard words we didn’t want to hear. It’s like the doctor wouldn’t quit saying things none of us were ready to hear.
Yes, I cried plenty that night. Honestly, those tears weren’t for me. My tears were for you and mom. I had never seen tears roll down your face that way. That look on mom’s tear filled face was very heartbreaking. All I knew to do was to step up and step in with immediate prayer. To do exactly for you both. What you’ve been doing for me all my life.
You see, there’s nothing else you owe me at this point. Your love has been proven. Your faith has been demonstrated. Your prayers have taken me to higher ground. You led me to Christ. You taught me how to be passionate about leading others to Christ. You and mom have been amazing parents always going above and beyond.
So, it’s my turn to step up and give you up. To keep praying without ceasing on your behalf. I sincerely believe God hears the prayers of his people. That God cares about our hurts, pains, and fears. I believe God still does miracles each and everyday. I’ve seen Him do them in my life and countless others.
Therefore, I’m gonna keep giving you up. When the doctors give us news we don’t want to hear. I’m gonna give you up in prayer. When you have a really bad day. I’m gonna give you up in prayer. When the fears of today or worries about tomorrow come. I’m gonna give you up in prayer. Why? Because you’re safest in His hands.
With God all things are possible. He will not waste your pain. He will not leave nor forsake you. He will not take a break from watching over you. He will keep giving you strength to carry on. He will give you faith to see beyond. I know the future is brightest if I keep putting you in His hands.
So, from this point forward I’m not just gonna sit around and worry. I’m going to pray Big, Bold and Believing prayers on your behalf. Knowing that the best way I can love you is to keep turning you over to Him. It’s what you taught me and showed me to do. So, never doubt that I’m giving you up to God. Every time I think about you I’m shifting those thoughts into prayer. Which basically means I’m praying for you a lot.
I thank God for every good moment. I trust God with every bad moment. I consider every tear that falls a sign of healing. God is shaping us all more and more into His likeness. Teaching us to depend on Him and trust Him fully. We both know that God uses seasons like this one. To wake us up and teach us to give up everything to Him. So, I will keep giving you up to Him.
“And which of you by worrying can add one hour to his life’s span? So if you are not even able to do a very little thing [such as that], why are you worried about the rest? Consider the lilies and wildflowers, how they grow [in the open field]. They neither labor nor spin [wool to make clothing]; yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory and splendor dressed himself like one of these. But if this is how God clothes the grass which is in the field today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You of little faith! So as for you, do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink; nor have an anxious and unsettled mind. For all the [pagan] nations of the world greedily seek these things; and your [heavenly] Father [already] knows that you need them. But [strive for and actively] seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. (Luke 12:25-31)(AMP)
Pastor Craig Crosby 