Have
you ever heard about how hunters used to trap monkeys? The hunters
would fill a large barrel with bananas and then cut a small hole in the
side of it just barely big enough for the monkey to get his hand and arm
through. The monkey, completely unaware of the trap, would reach his
arm into the barrel and grab one of those bananas. But when he would try
to pull his arm out, he wouldn’t be able to
get his clenched fist and the banana through the hole. The monkey would
hold that banana so tightly and not dare release it. Consequently, the
hunters would easily capture the monkey. What’s interesting is that at
any point prior to the capture, the monkey could have easily let go of
the banana and pulled his hand out of the barrel. But that monkey was so
focused on what he wanted that he didn’t even realize he was in a trap!
Many people live like that today—with both hands clenched, so
focused on trying to hold on to what they have that they don’t realize
it’s robbing them of the freedom and victory God has in store. Don’t let
that be you! Choose to release anything that’s keeping you from God’s
best because nothing in this world is worth holding on to so tightly.
Don’t get trapped because you aren’t willing to change or reposition
yourself or your thinking. Remember, God always has your best in mind.
His plans are for your good, and when you follow His plans, you can move
forward in peace, strength, joy, faith and victory.
What’s
the best way to avoid the traps? Stay close to Father God. Be willing to
let go of anything that He whispers to your heart. It can be letting go
of wrong mindsets or attitudes. It can be letting go of questions about
something that didn’t work out, or letting go of an old relationship.
It could even be letting go of a dream that you’ve had so God can give
you something better. Don’t let anything keep you from God’s best. You
may not always understand, but that’s when you have to trust God’s
goodness.
Remember, God always leads us one step at a time in
our journey of life. Be open to what He has for you and let Him
reposition you. You already have everything you need to be successful in
your future, so why hold on to the past? Today set yourself up for
freedom and victory by being open-handed, open-minded, and open-hearted
to what God has for you!
“Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.” (Luke 17:33, NIV)
No comments:
Post a Comment