While on my run this morning I started my more-common-than-I-like-to-admit wrestling match with God. You know how it goes—

• God, I’ll never get everything done You’ve given me to do.
• God, these kids aren’t going to make good choices, then what will happen?
• God, what about this, that, and the other thing?

Then God put the thought in my head—What if I don’t worry at all this week? What if I place my worries in God’s hands and brush away the worry? I thought back to my past worrying sessions. They never accomplished anything—not even a meaningful prayer time with God. Worry accomplishes nothing in my life.  Jesus taught us this in Matthew 6:27, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

Here is my new strategy for the week—

1. When a worry comes to mind, I’ll give it to God. I obviously can’t affect it. When I start to worry about others I’ll pray and place them in God’s loving arms.  He loves them more than I possibly can. He’s working in their lives. I see it. While I may want Him to work faster, that’s not my call. He’s sovereign and I’m good with that. “In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:3.

2. Instead of worrying and stressing, I’ll faithfully do what God’s given me to do today. I’ll trust Him to accomplish His plan in and through me. It’s the way Jesus lived while He was on earth. “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me” (John 6:38).

3. When a worry comes to mind I’ll thank God for the way He’s come through for me in the past. He’s never dropped me and it’s against His character to do so, so He never will. “Yet I am always with you; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me up in glory.” Psalm 73:23-24.

Katie made this cross bracelet for me. This week as I wear it I’ll let it remind me to give my worries to the only One who can affect them and to live each moment faithful to what He’s given me to do. I’ll let you know how the week goes. I’d love for you to journey with me this week and take the challenge, “What if I don’t worry this week.” I look forward to hearing how God is faithful in your life.

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.