Leave It
My dog, Marley, is really good at “leave it.” I can place her favorite treats right on top of her paws, tell her to leave it, and she won’t touch them until I finally say, “Okay!” It’s pretty impressive.
I use that command all the time when we’re walking in the woods. If she spots a rabbit, deer, squirrel, or anything else she’d love to chase, I simply call out, “Leave it!” Most of the time, she turns around and comes back to me.
I use that phrase so often with Marley that I’ve actually caught myself trying it on my husband a time or two. It doesn’t work nearly as well on him. 😂
The other day, Marley and I were walking along the creek when a thought crossed my mind. Am I as good at “leave it” as Marley is?
What about those times when God clearly tells me to leave something alone—or to wait—when it’s something I really want?
Maybe it’s a door that hasn’t opened yet. A relationship. An opportunity. A dream. Or maybe it’s simply wanting an answer right now.
If I’m honest, my first reaction isn’t always patient obedience. Sometimes I want to negotiate. Sometimes I want to peek around the corner to see if I can make it happen myself. Sometimes I convince myself that maybe I didn’t hear Him correctly.
But God sees what I can’t. Just as Marley trusts that I’m keeping her from running into danger she doesn’t understand, I need to trust that my Heavenly Father sees the whole picture when I only see what’s right in front of me.
Sometimes His answer is, “Not now.” Sometimes it’s, “That’s not for you.” And sometimes it’s simply, “Leave it.”
The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I realize that obedience isn’t just about doing what He says. It’s also about trusting Him enough to let go of what He tells me to leave behind.
Maybe today there’s something God has been quietly whispering for you to leave alone. A worry you’ve been carrying. A habit that’s holding you back. A door He has gently closed. Or perhaps He’s simply asking you to wait a little longer.
Whatever it is, we can trust that His plans are always better than our own.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6
About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I’m the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I’m passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to help others care well for their health and the bodies God has given us. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
July 15, 2026 Morning Brew
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