You Can't Receive with Closed Hands

Trusting the Journey: Embracing God's Plan Through Life's Trials

Hi friends, I'm Kristin Ostrander, and I want to share with you a deeply personal journey—one that has tested my faith, reshaped my understanding of surrender, and ultimately led me to a place of profound trust in God's plan. This is not just my story; it's a testament to the power of faith and the strength we can find in the most challenging times.

The Crossroads of Success and Fulfillment

My life, like many of yours, has been a series of peaks and valleys. I've had the privilege of building two successful businesses from the ground up. Yet, despite these achievements, I found myself feeling empty, as if I were enslaved to the very work I had poured my heart into. It was a paradox of success—having reached the heights of my career, yet feeling the depths of personal dissatisfaction.

There came a moment when I knew something had to change. With a heavy heart, I closed my businesses and stepped out in faith, not knowing what the future held. It was a leap into the unknown, guided by the belief that there was more to life than the relentless pursuit of success.

The Power of Music in My Journey

Music has always been a beacon for me, a source of comfort and inspiration. I've longed to share with others the kind of music that deepens our walk with God. One song, in particular, struck a chord with me during this tumultuous time: "Lay It Down" by Tasha Layton. Its message resonated with my soul, reminding me that I didn't have to shoulder the burdens of the world alone.

Facing Foreclosure: A Family's Struggle

The challenges didn't end with the closure of my businesses. My family faced a devastating blow when we lost our home to foreclosure. This came as a result of my husband's career-ending injury, which plunged us into financial turmoil. As a family of five, we fought tooth and nail to save our home, selling our belongings and seeking assistance, but it wasn't enough.

This period was marked by emotional and financial hardship, but it was also a time of profound learning. I realized that sometimes we hold onto things so tightly that God has to pry them out of our hands. It was a lesson in the importance of having open hands—ready to let go of what we cherish and ready to receive God's blessings.

Letting Go and Laying It Down

The lyrics of "Lay It Down" posed a powerful question: "What could I do if my hands were open?" It prompted me to confront my fears and trust in God's plan. I had to release control, to let go of the successful business I had worked so hard to build. It was a moment of breakthrough, realizing that true freedom wasn't found in clinging to my achievements but in surrendering to God's will.

Surrender and the Promise of Rest

Surrender is a concept deeply rooted in biblical teachings. It's about laying down our burdens and accepting God's yoke, which is light and offers rest for our souls. Throughout my struggles, the song "Lay It Down" served as a constant reminder of this truth. It encouraged me to reflect on my own burdens and the possibility of finding comfort and rest in trusting God's plan.

The Blessings of Obedience and Trust

Obedience to God often means letting go of good things to make room for better ones. It's a journey of learning to trust in God's plan, even when the path is unclear. My own experiences have taught me that breakthroughs come as a result of obedience and a willingness to align our desires with God's word.

An Invitation to Action

As we conclude this reflection, I challenge you to consider what God may be asking you to lay down. What burdens are you carrying that are not yours to bear? How can you open your hands to receive what God is waiting to give you?

I encourage you to listen to "Lay It Down" by Tasha Layton and let its message of surrender and trust in God's plan inspire you. It's a call to action, a call to trust, and a call to embrace the journey God has laid out for you.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and may you find the courage to trust, the strength to let go, and the peace that comes from resting in God's perfect plan.

WATCH:

LISTEN:

"Some of the hardest moments in my life, music has given me a breakthrough during a breakdown." - Kristin Ostrander

TIME STAMPS:

The journey of breakdown and breakthrough (00:00:00)

Kristin Ostrander shares her personal story of facing challenges, including losing her home to foreclosure, and the lessons she learned about letting go and trusting in God's plan.

The impact of a song called "Lay It Down" by Tasha Layton (00:01:04)

Kristin discusses the impact of the song "Lay It Down" by Tasha Layton on her journey, how it moved her, and the questions it raised about trust and faith.

Facing foreclosure and the struggle to hold on (00:02:34)

Kristin recounts the challenges faced due to her husband's injury, economic downturn, and the subsequent loss of their home to foreclosure.

Learning to release control and trust in God's plan (00:03:46)

Kristin reflects on the experience of holding onto their home so tightly that God had to pry it out of their hands, and the lesson she learned about the need to open her hands and trust in God's plan.

The breakthrough and the lesson of surrender (00:06:54)

Kristin shares the pivotal moment of realizing the need to release control and trust in God's plan, and the lesson learned about surrendering to God's will.

The struggle of releasing a successful business (00:09:47)

Kristin discusses the challenges of releasing her successful business, the fear of losing something good, and the realization that she was not truly free.

God's invitation to surrender and find comfort (00:17:47)

Kristin reflects on the invitation to surrender to God, the weight of the world, and finding comfort and rest in God's yoke.

Lay It Down (00:23:01)

Encouragement to let go of burdens, trust in God, and open hands to receive blessings.

Trusting God's Plan (00:24:25)

Reflecting on laying down relationships, insecurities, and dreams; trusting God's plan and generosity.

Learning from Jesus (00:25:54)

Understanding the need for action, learning from Jesus, and trusting in His promises and grace.

Trusting God's Provision (00:28:26)

Experiencing God's miraculous provision after laying down possessions and learning to trust in His plan.

Obedience and Better Blessings (00:30:40)

The importance of obedience, laying down good things for better things, and experiencing breakthroughs through trust.

Aligning with God's Word (00:33:11)

Surrendering to God, aligning with His word, and experiencing change and renewal through open hands and belief.

Taking Action (00:35:26)

Challenging listeners to take action, learn, and grow while opening their hands to receive God's blessings.

RELATED CONTENT LINKS

1. Join our Spotify Playlist
2. Recommend a Song
3. Be a Guest on Music That Inspires
4. Book Kristin as a Guest on YOUR Show

THANK YOU!