This week’s blog is going to be a little more simple. I just want to challenge you about giving God control of things in your life with an example from my life over the last 4 years. As most of you know, I own a Snap-on Tool franchise that I operate in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. 4 years ago I had a buyer for my route. The dealer in Coldwater/Hillsdale was retiring and I wanted out of the Ann Arbor route to be in a more rural environment. It seemed the perfect solution.
However, the dealer dragged his heels for about 2 years before he decided he was ready. At that point, he and I put a Purchase Agreement and then he decided that he wasn’t quite ready to retire. No big deal, I’ll just wait a year or so and we’ll do the purchase later. Another year + later and he finally called me and said he is ready to retire and ready for me to buy his business. At this point, I didn’t have anybody lined up to buy mine (a prerequisite for me to buy his). The guy I had lined up to begin with was no longer able to purchase the route. I talked to many people about buying my route but for various reasons they backed out and weren't able to purchase his route.
For the last 4 years I have had my small group and many other close friends praying for the sale of my business. ‘No’ was not the answer I wanted to hear from God. In my mind I knew selling my route and buying the other one was the best plan for the last few years of my career with Snap-on until retirement.
In the middle of all of this, last year, Cherri and I went to W. Virginia to see a friend of mine. I went to check out his operation and realized it was something that I could do. For the last year I have been trying to find a buyer in order to get out of Snap-on and purchase the new business. After all of the prospects falling through, I finally told Cherri that I was giving up on selling and was just going to stay in Ann Arbor. I was defeated and depressed.
I remember about 5 months ago telling Doc Bracy to stop praying for me because it wasn’t meant to be. He told me he wouldn’t stop praying and took me through some verses about times that people in the Bible tried to do things on their timetable. He encouraged me to ‘just wait’ and ‘be still’. Not the words I wanted to hear from him but I took them to heart.
Fast forward to about 4-5 weeks ago when I was approached by the person from 4 years ago that he wanted to buy my franchise but couldn't. He had been approved through Snap-on and wanted to know if I still wanted to sell. At first, it looked like it was going to happen somewhere around September or October at the earliest. Through a series of events, Snap-on contacted me 2 weeks ago and wants the sale to go through quicker. I will be signing the papers on August 14th. Once that is completed, I will be able to buy the new business.
4 years ago I was sure that my plan for selling my businss was perfect and it was on paper. What I couldn't see clearly then but can now is that God's timing is far better. I have seen over the course of the past few weeks that the details that are "falling into place" now are just what we need. I can see God's hand and timing in all of this and it is so much better than what I had desired,
Do you have plans you are hanging onto that you haven’t given over to God?
What will it take for you to give them over to God?
Do you trust in His plan for your life or do you think yours is better? (hint, yours isn’t)
One of the verses Doc Bracy shared was Psalm 46:10. I am very anti-AI but decided to ask AI for a breakdown of this verse. This is what it came up with and I think it is appropriate.
· "Be still":
This phrase, in its original Hebrew, can also be understood as "let go," "relax," or "sink down". It's not merely about physical stillness but also about surrendering anxieties and worries to God.
· "and know that I am God":
This part emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's identity and power. It's a call to acknowledge His sovereignty over all creation and His ability to work in ways beyond human comprehension.
· Context within Psalm 46:
The verse is part of a psalm that speaks of God as a refuge and strength, especially in times of trouble. It assures believers that God is present and active, even amidst chaos and uncertainty.
· Relevance today:
Psalm 46:10 remains relevant because it reminds us that even in a world filled with turmoil, God is in control. It encourages believers to find peace and confidence by trusting in His power and plan.
· "I will be exalted among the nations":
This part of the verse points to God's ultimate triumph and universal recognition. It signifies that His name will be glorified and His authority acknowledged by all people, regardless of their background or beliefs.
So I ask again and encourage you to spend time in Psalm 46:10 as you consider your answers.
- Do you have plans you are hanging onto that you haven’t given over to God?
- What will it take for you to give them over to God?
- Do you trust in His plan for your life or do you think yours is better? (hint, yours isn’t)
Written By: Jeff Abner
