The Practice of Surrender
My thoughts:
We like to be in control in many ways and different level. Some people are more control freak then the other, some like to be in control in certain areas which are different from others. When we go through hard times, we want to get out from the situation soonest possible (which is natural) by trying to be God. But many times, God want us to surrender, totally to Him: to have great attitude while waiting for His deliverance. I identify with the following devotion about relationship: it's natural when you are hurt by someone, you will hurt the person back. But God wants us to do the opposite. Yes, there's an incident which I was very angry with someone. I can choose to go around murmur/ justify my action by talking badly about the person. But when I surrender myself to God, I decided to resolve the issue with the person, even though from my perspective the person was at wrong. I started the conversation by asking the person for forgiveness for being angry and then told the person what was I angry about. The obedience and surrender close the door for the enemy, but restore the relationship. I can submit to my pride "why should I do it. It's not my fault." But I choose to submit to God. It may look/sound silly. But it has definitely brought peace, with myself, with other and with God.
So, enjoy reading the devotion.
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The Practice of Surrender
Purpose Driven Life daily Devotion
2009/02/23
“If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me.” Matthew 16:24 (NCV)
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Paul’s moment of surrender occurred on the Damascus road after he was knocked down by blinding light. For others, less drastic methods are needed to get our attention.Regardless, surrendering is never just a one-time event.Paul said, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31 NASB).
There is a moment of surrender and there is the practice of surrender, which is moment-by-moment and lifelong. The practice of surrender requires perseverance; you may have to re-surrender your life fifty times a day: “If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives [daily] to follow me” (Matthew 16:24 NCV).
Let me warn you: When you decide to live a totally surrendered life, that decision will be tested. Sometimes it will mean doing inconvenient, unpopular, costly, or seemingly impossible tasks.It will often mean doing the opposite of what you feel like doing.
“Those who are living by their natural inclinations have their minds on the things human nature desires; those who live in the Spirit have their minds on spiritual things” (Romans 8:5 NJB).
We are, by nature, self-centered. When hurt by someone, your natural inclination is to hurt back.It is natural to hoard money instead of generously sharing it, to defend yourself when criticized, to hide your mistakes instead of confessing them, and to try to impress others. You can usually figure out what will please God by doing the opposite of your natural inclination.
Bill Bright founded Campus Crusade for Christ. Through the worldwide Crusade staff, his tract “The Four Spiritual Laws,” and the “JESUS” film (seen by over one billion people), it’s estimated that over 150 million people have come to Christ and will spend eternity in heaven.
I once asked Bill, “Why did God use and bless your life so much?” He said, “When I was a young man I made a contract with God.I literally wrote it out and signed my name at the bottom.It said ‘From this day forward, I am a slave of Jesus Christ.’”
Have you signed a contract like that with God? Or, are you still arguing and struggling with God over his right to do with your life as he pleases?
It is time to surrender – to God’s grace, love, and wisdom
Posted in: Articles on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at at 6:32 AM