The Art of Letting Go and Holding On : Embracing Trust
In a world where uncertainty often overshadows peace, Joanna Weaver’s Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God offers a refreshing journey through the heart of faith. This transformative book invites readers into a deeper understanding of trust—not as a passive emotion, but as an active, daily choice rooted in the character of God.
Weaver, known for her heartfelt writing style and spiritual depth, explores how true trust is not about having all the answers, but about surrendering our need for control to a God who promises never to leave or forsake us. With 16 insightful chapters divided into four parts, Embracing Trust guides readers through a biblical and personal exploration of what it means to let go and hold on—to release fears, worries, and false expectations while clinging tightly to a faithful God.
This blog post serves as a comprehensive summary and review of Embracing Trust , breaking down each chapter’s key messages and themes. Whether you’re reading this book for personal growth, group study, or spiritual enrichment, this guide will help you grasp its core teachings and apply them to your life.
Part One: The Tension of Trust
The first part of Embracing Trust sets the stage by addressing the inner conflict many believers face—wanting to trust God but struggling with fear, doubt, and disappointment. Weaver begins by helping readers identify the sources of their distrust and encouraging them to bring those struggles honestly before God.
Chapter 1: The Heart of the Matter
Weaver opens by reflecting on the universal human desire for security and certainty. She explains that trust is not just a mental agreement, but a heart-level surrender. Through Scripture and personal anecdotes, she shows how our past wounds, failures, and unanswered prayers can create barriers to trusting God fully.
Chapter 2: The Weight We Carry
This chapter delves into the emotional burdens we carry—regret, guilt, shame, anxiety—that prevent us from fully trusting God. Weaver gently reminds readers that Jesus came to set the captives free, and that laying down these burdens is the first step toward genuine trust.
Chapter 3: Wrestling with Doubt
Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is part of the journey. Weaver acknowledges that even the strongest believers wrestle with questions and uncertainties. She uses the story of Thomas from John 20 to show how doubt can lead to deeper faith when brought before Christ.
Chapter 4: When God Feels Far Away
Here, Weaver addresses one of the most painful experiences in the Christian walk—the feeling that God has abandoned us. Drawing from the Psalms and the crucifixion narrative, she reminds readers that God is near even in silence, and that His presence is not always felt but always real.
Part Two: The Truth About Trust
Part two shifts focus from the internal struggle to the external truths about God that form the foundation of trust. Weaver emphasizes that trust grows not from our circumstances improving, but from our understanding of who God is.
Chapter 5: A Faithful God
Using Exodus 34:6-7, Weaver paints a portrait of God as merciful, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. She argues that knowing God’s character is essential for building lasting trust, especially when life doesn’t make sense.
Chapter 6: The Promises That Sustain Us
This chapter explores the power of God’s promises and how they anchor our souls in times of trial. Weaver encourages readers to meditate on specific Bible verses that speak directly to their struggles, turning God’s Word into a weapon against fear and despair.
Chapter 7: The Sovereignty of God
Sovereignty can be a difficult theological concept, but Weaver makes it accessible by showing how God works all things together for good (Romans 8:28). She discusses suffering, evil, and free will without pretending everything is easy, yet affirms that God is still in control.
Chapter 8: The Mystery of Timing
Why does God delay? Why doesn’t He answer right away? Weaver tackles the issue of divine timing, using stories like Joseph’s imprisonment and Hannah’s barrenness to illustrate that God’s delays are not denials. She encourages patience and perspective, reminding readers that God sees the whole picture.
Part Three: The Practice of Trust
In part three, Weaver moves from theory to practice, offering practical steps and spiritual disciplines that cultivate trust in everyday life.
Chapter 9: Surrendering Control
Control is often the enemy of trust. Weaver helps readers recognize areas of their lives where they’re trying to manipulate outcomes or micromanage situations. She calls for radical surrender, inviting readers to hand over their plans, relationships, and futures to God.
Chapter 10: Living in the Light of Eternity
This chapter challenges readers to view their current struggles through the lens of eternity. Weaver draws from passages like 2 Corinthians 4:17–18, urging believers to fix their eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen—because eternal glory far outweighs temporary troubles.
Chapter 11: Choosing Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful antidote to fear and worry. Weaver shares personal stories and scriptural insights to show how cultivating thankfulness—even in hard times—shifts our hearts and builds resilience in trust.
Chapter 12: Finding Peace in the Process
Trust is not a one-time decision but a lifelong process. Weaver acknowledges that setbacks and seasons of doubt are normal, but encourages readers to keep walking forward in faith. She emphasizes the importance of community, prayer, and worship in sustaining trust over time.
Part Four: The Purpose of Trust
The final section of Embracing Trust reveals the ultimate purpose of trust—not just for our own comfort, but for God’s glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
Chapter 13: Trust That Transforms
True trust changes us from the inside out. Weaver explores how trusting God reshapes our desires, priorities, and perspectives. She points to the example of Abraham, whose faith led him to obey God even when he didn’t understand the destination.
Chapter 14: Trust That Inspires Others
Our journey of trust becomes a testimony that inspires others. Weaver shares stories of women whose faith impacted those around them. She encourages readers to live boldly, allowing their trust in God to become a beacon of hope and encouragement to others.
Chapter 15: Trust That Endures
Endurance is the hallmark of mature faith. Using Hebrews 12 and the metaphor of running with perseverance, Weaver highlights the importance of staying faithful through trials. She reminds readers that endurance isn’t about white-knuckling through pain, but about keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Chapter 16: Trust That Lasts Forever
The final chapter brings the reader full circle, emphasizing that trust culminates in eternity. Weaver concludes with a vision of heaven, where every question will be answered and every tear wiped away. She reminds readers that our ultimate home is not here, and that our trust now prepares us for the forever trust we’ll experience in God’s presence.
Key Themes and Takeaways
Throughout Embracing Trust, several key themes emerge that shape the reader’s understanding of what it means to truly trust God:
Trust Is a Choice
Weaver repeatedly emphasizes that trust is not based on feelings or circumstances but is a conscious decision to believe in God’s goodness and faithfulness regardless of what we see or feel.
God’s Character Is the Foundation of Trust
Rather than focusing on changing our situations, Weaver directs readers to change their view of God. When we know who God is—faithful, loving, sovereign—we can begin to trust Him more deeply.
Honesty Before God Is Essential
One of the most liberating aspects of the book is Weaver’s encouragement to be honest with God. She shows that doubt, fear, and even anger can be brought before the Lord without condemnation.
Trusting God Involves Letting Go and Holding On
The title captures the paradox of trust: letting go of control while holding on to Christ. Weaver unpacks this beautifully, showing how surrender and dependence go hand in hand.
Trust Is Meant to Grow Over Time
There is no shortcut to deep trust. Weaver acknowledges that trust is developed through trials, waiting, and obedience. It is a lifelong journey, not a quick fix.
Who Should Read This Book?
Embracing Trust is ideal for anyone navigating seasons of uncertainty, disappointment, or fear. It speaks particularly to:
- Women seeking spiritual growth and emotional healing
- Believers struggling with unanswered prayer or loss
- Readers looking for practical ways to grow in faith
- Small groups or Bible studies focused on trust and surrender
Joanna Weaver writes with empathy and clarity, making complex theological ideas accessible and relatable. Her use of personal stories and biblical examples creates a warm, engaging tone that resonates with readers from all walks of life.
Final Thoughts and Review
Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God is more than a book—it’s a spiritual companion for anyone longing to deepen their relationship with God. Weaver masterfully weaves together theology, storytelling, and practical application to offer a holistic view of what trust really looks like in the trenches of life.
What sets this book apart is its balance between honesty and hope. Weaver doesn’t shy away from the hard questions or pretend that trusting God is easy. Instead, she meets readers where they are and walks with them toward a deeper, more resilient faith.
Whether you’re dealing with personal loss, relational struggles, career uncertainty, or simply a season of doubt, Embracing Trust offers both encouragement and challenge. It reminds us that the God we place our trust in is not only worthy but eternally faithful.
Conclusion
In a culture that values self-reliance and instant results, Embracing Trust calls believers back to the ancient truth that our greatest strength lies in surrender. Joanna Weaver’s message is timely, timeless, and transformative.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life’s pressures or disillusioned by unmet expectations, this book will remind you that there is One who never fails. One who is always near. One who is forever faithful.
Let Embracing Trust be your invitation to release what you cannot control—and cling tightly to the God who holds everything.
FAQs
- Is this book only for women?
While written from a woman’s perspective, the spiritual truths are universal. Men can absolutely benefit too.
- Do I need a strong Bible background to understand it?
Not at all. Joanna explains Scripture in a very accessible, conversational way.
- How long does it take to read?
You could read it in a few days, but it’s better absorbed slowly, one chapter at a time.
- Is there a study guide available?
Yes, many versions come with reflection questions and there’s also a companion study guide for group use.
- How does this book compare to Joanna’s other books?
It carries the same deep wisdom as Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, but with an even stronger emotional and spiritual punch.
