When Love Looks Like Letting Go

Scripture: “But when she could no longer hide him, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with asphalt and pitch. She placed the child in it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile." — Exodus 2:3

Devotional Thought:

There are few images in Scripture as gut-wrenching and faith-filled as a mother placing her baby in a basket and releasing him into a river. Moses’ mother had done everything she could. She hid him. Nursed him. Loved him. But now the time had come to do something even harder—entrust him to God.

Her act wasn’t one of despair—it was one of faith. She believed that the hands of God were stronger than her own. That the waters of the Nile weren’t beyond His control. That the life of her son was ultimately in His care.

That kind of love doesn’t shrink back. It doesn’t cling in fear. It says, “God, I trust You more than I trust my own ability to protect.”

Whether you're a parent, a mentor, a spouse, or a friend—there will come a time when love looks like release. Not giving up, but giving over. And when you do, remember this: God didn’t just watch the basket—He steered it. Right into the place of provision. Right into the arms of purpose.

Reflection Question:

What or who have you been trying to hold onto out of fear? What would it look like to release them into God’s care today?

Prayer:

Lord, help me love like Moses’ mother. Help me to protect fiercely, but also surrender faithfully. Give me the strength to let go when needed, and the peace to trust that You’re still in control. Steer the things I place in Your hands toward Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.