Don’t overthink, just do and let God do the rest

By Vivian Marino

There is an old saying that goes, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” Recently, I found myself to be the student with inspiration drawn out from an unexpected teacher.

A few weeks ago, I participated in Lectio Divina (divine reading) which involves reading Scripture, meditating, contemplating and then praying about the passage. In addition, participants are invited to share whatever they would like after going through these steps.

As we were sharing, one person was reminded of the Wedding Feast at Cana in relation to the passage we had just read. She focused on the statement that Mary told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

She was reminded of the time she had made dinner for her family, but was worried about whether they would like the meal she had prepared. She stopped herself and realized that was not the point. God had put it in her heart to make the meal for the purpose of family communion. The whole point was to do whatever he tells you and not to worry about the rest; to focus on the doing and leave everything else up to him.

It was really that simple. This shift in thinking changed the way she viewed things from that moment forward.

After she had told this story, it was as if a lightbulb had immediately gone off in my head. Instantly, my perspective changed. I realized I had been doing things wrong all along. I simply needed to do, and God would take care of the rest.

Then, I thought back to the countless times I wanted “to do,” but was worried about what would transpire after. The outcome had become my focus as opposed to doing God’s will. And with that, so many missed opportunities in doing what God wanted for me. I had let fear and anxiety stop me.

Now, I see things through a different lens. I am learning to listen; I am learning to do and let go. When God puts something in our hearts, there is a reason, and we just need to trust. Trusting can be hard, but with God that should be the easiest part. He is the God of the impossible, and he wants the best for us, his children.

I am so thankful that this person was at the Lectio Divina that day. She was an instrument of the Holy Spirit showing me just how simple it can be. Don’t overthink; just do!