In today's competitive world we are motivated to never give up and never give in. That's why we almost equate the word "surrender" to admitting defeat. And as prideful people, we don't want this. But folks, today is the perfect timing to remind you that surrendering to God is the heart of worship.
True worship happens when we give ourselves completely to God. However, there are three barriers that block our total surrender: fear, pride, and confusion.
The first barrier is fear. And we fear because we don't trust. That's why this is the most important part of the process because we wouldn't surrender unless we trust Him but we can't trust Him fully until we know Him better. Fear keeps us from surrendering but love casts out all fear. The more we realize how much God loves us, the easier surrender becomes. And the greatest reminder of His love is while we were sinners Christ died for us.
He's not a cruel God who brutally forces us into submission. He doesn't break our will but rather He wait for us patiently until we offer ourselves freely to Him. He's a redeemer. That's why surrendering to Him brings freedom not bondage.
Another thing is pride. We, people, don't want to admit that we're only beings who are not in charge of everything. This statement scares most of us because we want to manipulate everything in our lives. Uncertainty is an enemy while comfort is a friend. So if things goes beyond our control and comfort, we're willing to do anything to replace God's job. At some point, we yearn to be God which causes so much stress in our lives because it's impossible to win this struggle. I love it when A.W. Tozer said, "The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us." We will never be God. And if we try to overpower Him, we end up most like Satan, who desired the same thing. We want to have it all and do it all, and we become upset when it doesn't happen.
So, Yela, if this is so then what does it mean to surrender? Can I use this card as an excuse for laziness?
Ironically, the answer is the exact opposite. Surrendering is not for cowards or doormats. It doesn't mean giving up our rational thinking because God doesn't want for us to waste the wisdom and creativity that He gave us. Surrendering is about battling on His behalf. It's obeying His word even if it doesn't make sense.
The last barrier is trust. Bible people mostly didn't know where, when, how, and why circumstances occurred the way they did but despite that they fully submitted themselves to God.
When we fully submit ourselves to Him, we stop controlling the situation but rather rely on Him to work things out. It's like letting go and letting God work. The Bible says, "Surrender yourself to the Lord and wait patiently for Him." So instead of trying harder. . . Why not trust more?
We also know we're surrendered when we don't feel the urge to conform and explain ourselves to everyone. And when we aren't self-serving. The best example of this is Jesus. The night before His crucifixion, He surrendered Himself to God's plan. He prayed, "Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine." This shows that if it is God's will to remove His suffering, please do so. But if it fulfills His purpose, that's what I want, too. Surrender is hard work especially because we have a self-centered nature.
Fortunately, this hard work pays off. There is blessing in surrender. First, we experience peace: "Stop quarreling with God. If you agree with Him, you will have peace at last, and things will go well for you." Second, we experience freedom: "Offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. His commands set you free to live openly in His freedom." And lastly, we experience God's power in our lives. Overwhelming problems can be defeated when given to Him. Paradoxically, surrender doesn't weaken us, it strengthens us. Surrender is not defeat but rather victory comes through it. Nothing is more powerful than a surrendered life in the hands of God.
We were designed to worship God and if we fail, we will create other things (idols) to give our lives to. Remember, we are free to choose what we surrender to, but we are not free from the consequences of that choice. E. Stanley Jones said, "If you don't surrender to Christ, you surrender to chaos."
Surrender is the only way to live. Nothing else works. All other ways only lead to frustration, disappointment, and self-destruction. We cannot fulfill God's purposes for our lives while focusing on our own plans. Sometimes it takes years to discover that the greatest hindrance to God's blessing in our lives are not others but ourselves; our personal ambitions and stubborn pride. So give these all to God. And don't be afraid; nothing under His control can ever be out of control.
Take it easy,
Yela, the wonderer
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