Often Christians say to each other when one is struggling, “Just let God, and let God [take over].” But is it helpful? This way of thinking, or theology, is called the “Deeper Life” or “Higher Life” or “Keswick” view of sanctification. But the real question is, Is it biblical? Here’s an article excerpt to explain:

‘At its best, this phrase [“Let go and let God”] highlights the value of surrender. God is God, and you are not, so lay down your résumé, your excuses, your fears.

‘All too often, though, the phrase is wielded as if the symbol of Christianity is not a cross but a couch. It’s subtly used to put the brakes on striving, on working, on effort.

‘Now, if “let go and let God” solely referenced the moment of justification, it would be fine. But it typically refers to the process of sanctification, which is anything but passive.

‘The Christian life is grueling. When Paul reflects on it, he doesn’t think of sunsets and naps but soldiers and athletes and farmers (2 Tim. 2:3–6). He thinks of running tracks and boxing rings (1 Cor. 9:24–27).

‘We are called to work out what God has already worked in us, laboring not for our salvation but from it (Phil. 2:12–13). This dynamic of restful vigilance (Matt. 11:28­–30; 16:24) — what the Puritans called “holy sweat” — lies at the heart of Christian experience.

‘As J. I. Packer once put it, “The Christian’s motto should not be ‘Let go and let God’ but ‘Trust God and get going.'”’

-Matt Smethurst

Read whole article here

(GSiV: Prayer, then scroll down to ‘Andy Naselli’)