Life is full of transitions, and sometimes the hardest thing to do is let go. Whether it’s a habit, a relationship, a job, or even an old way of thinking, we often struggle to release things that no longer serve us. But as Scripture reminds us, necessary endings are a key part of God’s plan for new beginnings.
The Challenge of Letting Go
We often hold on too long—sometimes out of fear, sometimes out of comfort, and sometimes because we just don’t know what’s next. But when we look at the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13, we see that letting go was essential for both of them to step into the fullness of what God had planned.
Abraham and Lot had prospered together, but their success led to conflict. The land could no longer sustain them both, and Abraham, with wisdom and grace, made the difficult decision to part ways. Instead of grasping for control, he trusted God’s provision and allowed Lot to choose where he would go first. This necessary ending set the stage for Abraham’s greater blessing—God gave him a fresh vision and an even bigger promise.
The Biblical Call to Necessary Endings
Throughout the Bible, we see God using necessary endings to bring about His greater plans:
- Noah’s world had to end before a new covenant could begin.
- Moses had to leave Egypt’s palace to step into his calling as a leader.
- Jesus had to endure the cross so that resurrection power could be revealed.
Even in Jesus’ ministry, He knew when to walk away. In Luke 4, He withdrew from distractions and kept His focus on His purpose. When people rejected Him, He didn’t force relationships—He kept moving forward. And in John 6, when many disciples turned away after a hard teaching, Jesus didn’t chase after them. Instead, He stayed faithful to His mission.
Why Do We Struggle With Endings?
There are many reasons we resist letting go:
- Fear of the unknown – “What if this is the best I’ll ever have?”
- Guilt – We feel bad about moving on, even when we know we should.
- False hope – We convince ourselves that if we just try harder, things will change.
But holding on too long can keep us from God’s next step. In Isaiah 43:19, God declares, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” If we are so focused on the past, we might miss the fresh work God is doing right in front of us.
How Do We Know When It’s Time to Let Go?
Dr. Henry Cloud, in his book Necessary Endings, gives three questions to help us discern when an ending is needed:
- Is it hopeless? – Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
- Is it causing harm? – 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Bad company corrupts good character.”
- Is it blocking what God wants to do? – If something is keeping you from stepping into your purpose, it may be time to release it.
Steps to Take
If you feel God calling you to a necessary ending, here’s how to move forward:
- Pray for clarity – Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5).
- Set clear boundaries – Learn to say no without guilt (Matthew 5:37).
- Seek wise counsel – Surround yourself with godly mentors (Proverbs 11:14).
- Take bold steps – Faith requires action (Hebrews 11:1).
Saying Yes to God
Sometimes, the most important necessary ending is the one that allows us to say yes to Jesus. Many of us spend too much time lingering on the porch of salvation—close enough to feel its warmth but never stepping fully inside. If you’ve been holding onto your past, afraid to fully surrender, now is the time to let go and say yes to what God has for you.
Let go of fear. Let go of comfort. Let go of anything keeping you from God’s best.
Because when we trust God enough to release what no longer serves us, we make space for the greater blessings He has in store.
What is one thing God is calling you to let go of today?
