3 Ways to Trust and “Let Go” Like Luke Skywalker?
ArtBlogCreativityFaithLeadershipProductivity
“Use the force Luke. Let go.” I’ve heard a lot of presidential speeches, sermons and leadership speeches. Important words from Obi Wan in Star Wars. I find it interesting in the fact that these words came when Luke was at his most vulnerable: He was living out his most important assignment and fulfilling his mission. Even more, he’s under fire from the enemy. This time doesn’t seem like the right time to “let go”. If you are a leader you’ll relate. The last thing you want to do is let go and trust at the crucial time. The world calls it weakness. I call it faith in action.
Here’s the cultural trap: I control my own destiny the outcomes and life is what “I make it”. That is a fast pass ticket to the hamster wheel of insanity. This is one of the greatest nuggets I wish someone would have told me. Yes I am to manage and steward the resources, time and talent God has given to me, but I’m not here to control it. There’s a big difference to managing vs. controlling. My relationship with God is that of director and producer: God is director of the show, I help make sure his vision and direction is carried out. However, I’ve put myself in his chair many times only to realize it’s none of my business to play his role.
Letting go and surrendering is actually gaining more than I could imagine
Letting go isn’t losing. It’s gaining. When I surrender I open up margin and capacity for God to pour into my life and move pieces around. The key is to keep myself available. Luke did let go. He made himself available to be used. He was more powerful and used strategically.
Believing/Letting Go is Faith in Action
It’s one thing for me to “know” this and another to “do” it. If I have this knowledge yet refuse to use it, then wisdom is missed from becoming a part of my life. The idea of knowing and having truth is to exercise it. When you believe, you act. When you act, it’s faith. Faith is showing trust.
I have seen leaders get to high stakes opportunities or circumstances get crazy and they either breakdown and retreat or they breakthrough. The breakthrough is the realization of truth: by letting go I’ll actually go beyond, reach higher and have impact in ways I never thought possible. Just believe and let go.
I’ve had the most incredible last couple weeks with God bringing incredible opportunities into my net. I’m beyond excited to share them with you and have you join me in them. However, I’ll tell you, it’s been nerve racking: high stakes, intense, risky and unknown. That’s a great indicator that you’re in the right place and not retreating. Lean into the wind and trust God’s in the wind, created it, and controls it all.
Believe, let go, and trust that what God can do for you is far greater than what you could conjure up for yourself. “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”. It’s not just “knowing” it in your heart, but your heart actually knowing from experiencing it.
When I shifted into this thinking I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I didn’t have to figure it all out. I could let go and watch God reveal the outcomes, opportunities, relationships and results. It’s seems and appears so counter intuitive, but seriously it changed my life. If you had a few months, I could unpack the countless ways he continues to leave his fingerprints all over my life. Actually, I’m preparing a way to share this with you. Stay tuned.
What usually goes through your mind when you think of “letting go” of it all yet managing instead of controlling? Please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you. You can also sign up to receive these blog posts via email to the right in the sidebar.
Glad your here!
Recent comments
Chad 10 years ago
Great insight…Control is an illusion!
Danielle 10 years ago
I love this! I am a huge Star Wars fan and I am a firm believer that God can speak to us through anything. Even a movie. God is in control. Thank you for sharing this. Amazing.
Bob Shank 10 years ago
Every person, in every generation, has to come to this realization for tthemselves.
God dwells in what we deem paradox. To really “win,” you must first set yourself up to “lose.” if you want to “live,” you must first “die.” if you want to be “first,” you have to consent to be “last.”
No paradox: no call for faith.
You get it!
noah fine art 10 years ago
Thanks Bob. Great reminders and appreciate your leadership.
Dennis Zaragoza 10 years ago
Thanks again for your words, I am always inspired by people giving glory to God. These incites can only exist by marinating in the words that hold authority like no other…the Bible! Go get ’em Noah! 🙂
Terry Weaver 10 years ago
Love it! The idea that we are all just padawans learning from masters is a life changing one. The more people who I am around that I think are Jedi Masters like Obi Wan the more I realized they are life long learners. Living is a Jedi is understanding that its not about about you and you are not in control.
There is a pretty great scene in the new Monsters University where our friend Mike Wazowski has to learn to let go and not just trust in the knowledge that he thinks he has.. The ride may be crazy but the journey is gonna be epic glad to have you as a fellow padawan on this journey. Hold on tight cause this ship is about to go to light-speed!
noah fine art 10 years ago
Terry, great stuff. Appreciate you being here and along the journey together.
Erin 10 years ago
Great message! I recently dipped into the world of realizing that I need to give up trying to have control. I just need to manage what it going on and have faith. Thank you so much for sharing!
Devin 10 years ago
Thanks, Noah, for the great post!
Amber Mauldin 10 years ago
We could all learn a little lesson from this. We as humans try to control what God needs us to surrender to (because He’s got this!). Love this; so nice to hear someone vocalize something worth reading!
Courtney 10 years ago
I have been struggling with this very idea the past year involving where to take my career. The past two nights I have come to this realization and how it pertains to this struggle in my life. This post really just hammered it home for me! It gave me such encouragement! Beautifully written, thank you! May the force be with you and God Bless!
Danielle D 10 years ago
Your words are very inspiring. Thanks for sharing this!
Dean 10 years ago
Amazing advice and insight!
Lori 10 years ago
Let Go, Let God! Only way. You got it figured out! It’s easy to say, a little tiny bit harder to do, especially if you’re a control freak. Not that I am speaking from experience or anything.
Heather Coale 10 years ago
Noah, as always, you inspire as well as create beauty. You remind us of what is important. Thank you.
Anz Kat Toon 10 years ago
I love your work Noah! And this is such an amazing way to think and live your life! It is a very uplifting message to those facing the difficult times of life today! Faith is very much needed in society today.
Jerry Sinner 10 years ago
When we keep our eyes focused on God, we remember his love for us and we realize we truly have nothing to worry about. God has a wonderful plan for our lives, and part of that plan includes taking care of us. Even in the difficult times, when it seems like God doesn’t care, we can put our trust in the Lord and focus on his kingdom. God will take care of our every need.
Kris 10 years ago
When I think about letting go I remember the roughest semester I ever had so far in college. I kept missing the score I needed on a certification test by two or three points and I got very overwhelmed and frustrated. Finally I decided I needed to do something that I loved and that would relax me. So I decided to art classes and let go of the worry of my test. Once I let all the frustration go I retook the test and passed it! It was the best feeling knowing that I passed that test! It didn’t occur to me until reading this blog that sometimes the best thing to do is just let everything go and let faith take it’s course.
Roger 10 years ago
I thought this was a new painting and spent I don’t know how long looking around to see if I could buy it!!! Hint, Hint!!!
SheaAnn 10 years ago
Letting go for me means, that you have to live life to the fullest and do what you love. If you do something that makes you happy keep with it no matter what other people may think. Don’t think just do and you will get much farther than you ever thought you could. I think that you are such an amazing artist and you inspire me to try new things and I just want to say thank you.
Charissa 10 years ago
When I think about letting go, and allowing God to take the lead, I become excited because I know God’s will for my life can be far bigger and better then anything I can manage to create with my own two hands. At the same time I struggle with the discouragement, and fear, that life isn’t going to happen the way I always dreamed it would. That fear kept me from letting go, and taking that leap of faith. It’s then I have had to turn to God and trust that when I take that leap, and I let go of that fear, that he will give me wings to fly. Your words were so encouraging, and your story so inspiring for an artist like me. I pray God has a plan for me, and thank him every day for inspirations such as yourself. Thank you so much for sharing, and God bless you and your beautiful talent!
Matt 10 years ago
Inspiring stuff, man, made all the more relatable by the Star Wars analogy. Nicely done.
Kristin Rawley 10 years ago
The Force is not only a strong message in the film but sends the message that it does live within each of us through the powers of our Lord guiding us on a path of good, leading away from temptation and knowing His guidance is always there to protect us from evi. I truly believe in the Force from our Lord, Him being, Jesus Christ 🙂 <3
Mike Dailey 10 years ago
Words to live by. My hope is to show my girls to live this way. It’s important for them to see it not just hear it.
Mark Carter 10 years ago
To understand, believe. Then you will see. This is how I’ve understood Christ’s commandment to us. This is not how the world would have us do it but it’s the only way for us.
kathy poche 10 years ago
You have an amazing talent for capturing the feelings in a piece of art. Very vivid colors and a great attention to detail. I WILL one day be collection your art (especially Disney related stuff). Keep up the great work!
Robert Glover 10 years ago
Wonderful post Noah! I’m a huge fan of your art and posts! I have met you a couple times. Always a pleasure talking to you.
Corey L. 10 years ago
This is why your art is on my wall, amazing art, colors and really love the meanings behind them. When you Believe, Trust and have Faith you can do anything!
ray cheek 10 years ago
Letting go has to be one of the scariest parts of life..Even after all my years in life, It is a leap of faith to go into an unknown situation but it seems that is the only way to face each day. I seriously hope your message of faith can uplift even one that has been struggling with this very thing. Wake up each mornin, go out and conquer every problem, it’s already been promised, accept it.
Barb Harrington 10 years ago
Sometimes we all need a little reminder of something so simple as to let go of things. We all need to remember that we control what happens to us.
Tracy Hilker 10 years ago
I constantly have to remind myself to let go and let God. Once you do that the blessing and outcomes are abundant!
Brian Elias 10 years ago
Our family has been learning this the past few weeks too. It’s hard to let go but we’ll keep Proverbs 3:5 at the front of our minds…
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding.
Can’t wait to hear more about your story.
Katherine 10 years ago
God is good. All the time! It was difficult to “let go” and let God have control because I was a very proud person, but it wasn’t until I yielded all that i am to Him that I started to feel the force of the power of His mercy and grace. I praise God and with humble gratitude I feel light-hearted and joyful that He is ever present in my life. It was a pleasure reading this post, sir, and thank you so much for being such an inspiration!! I support your art and motivated by your faith. Peace and blessings, sir.
Saira 10 years ago
Blind faith is a risk and sometimes I am not willing to take that risk.
After reading this post, I realize that taking risks is what it takes to be leader.
Thanks Noah. Appreciate your work and your words.
Keri 10 years ago
Awesome words, I went to the funeral for my aunt yesterday who died way to young of ovarian cancer. Her entire life was devoted to The Lord and her faith gave her a peace that was beyond comprehension. Her message through her death was of 2 things. 1) love fully and unconditionally and 2) put all your fears and worries to The Lord as he is the one with the plan and will carry you through.
noah fine art 10 years ago
Keri, sorry for your loss. Great stuff you shared. Glad you’re hear.
Shayna 10 years ago
This post couldn’t have come at a better time for me. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Bryan Ohm 10 years ago
Wow, letting go, one of the hardest things in life to do. One the scariest things to do too. Recently I’ve “let go” and really praying that what I’m doing with my art is what I’m supposed to be doing in this life, so far God has given me a couple opportunities but nothing solid yet. I guess that’s where faith comes into play, having faith is also difficult when you don’t see results right away but that’s why it’s called faith! Thanks Noah for being an inspiration, not just in your amazing talent as artist but you’re a wonderful human being!
noah fine art 10 years ago
Thanks Bryan, keep it rolling. Faith in action. I’m working on some new things that would be perfect for you and others looking to take their art to the next level. Stay tuned.
Sarah 10 years ago
So important…. We only think we are in control! Thanks for the reminder!
Kimberly 10 years ago
I am an active participant in my life. I believe life does not happen to you. You are an active participant. It is what you do or do not do that shapes who you are. It is our reaction to events in our lives that causes us despair. Letting go of this and changing your focus opens you up to life’s possibilities. You are better able to cultivate faith and your relationships with family and friends.
tiffany ferlmann 10 years ago
Well thought out and written. It is always interesting to see what inspires us in film as it relates to our reality. I always say that while I usually have a plan, God’s plan is always right…I just muddle it up! Living with and in faith is hard…but worthwhile!
Thanks for the encouragement!
Olivia 10 years ago
Wow you are inspiring!! Exactly what I needed to hear!!thank you
Lisa 10 years ago
Thanks for the inspiring post!
SteveX86 10 years ago
Noah you work rocks
colleen 10 years ago
Faith hill s at times all one really has to get through the day and isn’t it amazing how movies can resonate with us so much.
Lindsey Martinez 10 years ago
Wow not only is your work such talent from God but so are you Noah. I pray God continues to bless you on his mission he has set for you thank you for your work and words. God Bless
Ireri Ojeda 10 years ago
All I can say is that gods timing & plans are perfect. We just have to learn to trust in him & when things don’t go our way we need to put that faith in action and go for our dreams without forgeting that with god everything is possible. I’m a rape survivor not a victim. My life hasn’t been easy but gods love has been my strength and my light though my darkest days. God bless
Instagram: ri_arlet
noah fine art 10 years ago
Kerri, great words and awesome testimony to see you move forward and not being a victim. Transforming thoughts. Blessings to you and. Keep it rolling!
Gayle Hughes 10 years ago
Thank you for your inspiring words of wisdom.
Krystyna 10 years ago
Thank you for sharing your insightful words! God is blessing!! I will be sharing this with my husband. God Bless! 🙂
RebeccaW 10 years ago
I LOVE Star Wars so this was a really cool post thanks. You are amazing I love your Disney pictures
Jennifer 10 years ago
such a powerful word……. FAITH
Greg 10 years ago
Sometimes, the letting go part is hard. The best quote I’ve ever heard was “Do what you know to do and leave the rest to God”. God has given us many different talents and opportunities to be educated and trained. However, our talents and education can only take us so far, it is at that point we have to step back and let God take it from there. Noah, thanks for posting and I hope God Blesses your ministry beyond measure.
noah fine art 10 years ago
Greg, thanks so much.
Katy 10 years ago
You never fail to inspire me and I am truly grateful for that. I particularly love that you combine knowledge about God with topics like Star Wars. I think this is fantastic and can hopefully draw in a crowd interested in Star Wars that may not have necessarily ever had a relationship with God and get them intrigued to find one. Letting go and having faith that God will take control is always hard, especially in difficult times when under attack from the enemy. The truth is that having faith is often tested during trials and tribulations. It’s the most difficult to let go and let God in difficult times, but those are the times that we actually need Him the most. I have been through a lot of struggles in my life and I try to always leave it in God’s hands so that I don’t dwell on things I cant change. Your posts are so inspirational and they seem to come at a time when I need reassurance! Thank you for all you do, you rock!
Annie 10 years ago
Inspiring words…especially with the Star Wars reference.
AmyB 10 years ago
Great advice! Thank you Noah 🙂
Both my husband and I have been having such a tough time lately trying to “let go” of things that bother us. It’s so hard to find that light at the end of the tunnel and you end up feeling completely at a loss. This was a very inspirational post- thank you for your advice. In a way it makes things clearer on a universal scale.
misty 10 years ago
We easily forget sometimes that when we let go God has a net ready ready door us. We also tend to ignore the clearly marked signs when it’s time to let go. I’m going through this very thing right now with my job.
Thanks for reminding me to pay attention to God’s plan for me. Even though it will be a sad chapter to close I have gained the tools I need to move on to better things ahead. I can’t tell you how much I’ve struggled and prayed over this. It was really random I found this (actually through Chrisma star on youtube, I pre watch videos for my daughter). Thanks again for this blog and to God for putting in mybpath
wally 10 years ago
Nhoa, I very much appreciate your philosophy and art! Thank you for reminding me that God is ALWAYS in control-and that maybe I need to take more chances.
God bless and thanks again.
noah fine art 10 years ago
Wally, you got it!
Randy Crane 10 years ago
“There’s a big difference to managing vs. controlling.” Such an important distinction, and you’re absolutely right. We have a duty to manage well what God has entrusted to us, but that doesn’t mean we control it, manufacture results, or in fact do anything beyond press into God and be responsible with the resources (of all kinds) He’s given us to steward.
Ubaldo aka (Wally) 10 years ago
Noah! Thank you very much for singing your artwork for me this last weekend. Sorry I couldn’t make it! ( I work weekends) My familly and I look forward to meeting you and possibly thanking you in person! Thanks again and God Bless.
Ubaldo.
Kat Untalan 10 years ago
So I found you through Charismastar from youtube and oh my goodness, you are so talented and very inspirational! I thought I’d google you because I like your art but never thought I’d find so much more here in your blog. From this post alone, I learned so much. Thank you! I needed this. ♥