When was the last time you took a hard look at what you’re holding onto in life—your job, your money, your relationships—and asked yourself, “What if I had to let this go?” That’s the uncomfortable yet life-altering invitation Jesus extends to the rich young ruler in Luke 18. It’s not just about money; it’s about the thing that has become our source of comfort, control, or identity. Jesus saw this man’s wealth as the obstacle keeping him from fully grabbing hold of the life Jesus offered, and He asked the man to let it go.

That moment is about more than money. It’s a moment where trust is tested. For this man, Jesus’ call exposed his ultimate reliance on wealth rather than on God. And while most of us might not have riches comparable to his, the same question applies to us. What is your "one thing"—the thing that, if taken away, would make you question the goodness of life or God?

Maybe it’s a relationship, a career, a plan for your future, or a tightly held dream. Whatever it is, Jesus is asking, “Would you trust Me with it? Not because I want to take it from you, but because I want to set you free from its grip on you.” Often, the things we cling to the hardest are the very things that enslave us. They promise life but fail to deliver, leaving us empty and anxious.

Jesus doesn’t want part of your heart or partial joy for your life. He offers fullness—life overflowing with purpose, peace, and freedom. But to receive it, we have to loosen our grip on whatever we’re trusting to hold us. Whether it’s money, relationships, or success, nothing is safer in our hands than in His.

What would change in your life if you trusted Jesus with your "one thing"? What could you gain in freedom and joy by surrendering what you're holding to the One who promises to never let you go?

Reflection Questions

1. What is the "one thing" in your life that you struggle to trust God with? How might it be standing in the way of deeper freedom and joy?
2. How do your current priorities—whether financial, relational, or personal—reflect your trust in God versus your trust in yourself?
3. What would it look like this week to take one step toward surrendering your "one thing" to God? How can you remind yourself that He is trustworthy?

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