All jokes aside however, I must say, that the thoughts that I'm about to share with you today, involves a topic which I believe every truly born-again Christian struggles with. And that is, surrender. But before I elaborate on the subject, I must digress in order to give you-the reader-a little background information with respect to the "birth"-so to speak-of the content of this blog post. Perhaps by doing so, the topic at hand will became more relatable, meaningful, and practically useful, in your day-to-day walk with Christ. (Amen Lord! Let it be so! In Christ's name I pray, amen and amen!) So, please, I humbly ask you, to bear with me.
Sometime between the final hours of the last day of the year 2010, and the dawning of the new year, I felt compelled to write; but not simply to write about a random topic off the top of my head. I felt compelled to write a message of hope to God's people. A message that would renew their hope, and strengthen their faith in God! (Amen! Hallelujah!) A message of encouragement. Something to help the people of God understand, that it is never too late to start anew. And that with each dawning of the day, our hope in Christ Jesus is renewed! (As is His Everlasting mercy towards us! Amen!)
But oddly enough, although I felt compelled to write and share a message of hope with God's people, I had absolutely no idea what to write about. So, I tried to convince myself that it was all in my head. I wrestled with that tugging in my heart for days. But that ever-compelling feeling would not leave my heart. I HAD to write. That was the only thing I was certain about. Don't ask me how, or why. But I just knew, that I knew, that I knew, that I had to write. There was no escape. No way out. But I still did not know what to write about. After a bit more wrestling, and some more questioning, I finally gave in. I sought God in thought and said: "God, I feel compelled to write. In fact, I know I MUST write. But since I have no clue what to write about, I'll leave that up to You." "I surrender completely to You."
Then, it suddenly dawned on me. "Wait, that's it!" I said to myself. "Surrender; that's what I must write about."
Now, you may be asking yourself: What does surrender have to do with hope?" I promise I'll get to that in a moment. But for now, let's ponder upon another equally intriguing question: How often do we, as Christians, attempt to do the work of God based on our own strength, our own abilities and capabilities; based on our interpretation of what we think God would like us to do? (I don't know about you. But I have admittedly been down that road countless times.) Now, please don't misunderstand me. The very fact, that we-as Christians-seek to do God's will, and are eager to 'decipher' it, and to do whatever we can to contribute to the unfolding of His plans and purpose(s) for our individual lives, is a wonderful thing! It shows we aim to please God. We long to be in the center of His perfect will for our lives! (Amen LORD! Hallelujah! Let it be so!)
Now, I am no expert on the subject. And I have yet a lot to learn. But here's what I've learned (so far) throughout the course of my internal battles. Here's what brings God's peace into my heart: God doesn't require us to 'decipher' His will for our lives. We don't have to constantly struggle trying to figure out what He wants from us. No. All He requires of us is this: Genuine and complete surrender. Because once we wholeheartedly surrender to God's leadership and Lordship, He, Himself, will do His work through us; by the power of His Precious Holy Spirit working within us. (Amen LORD! Let it be so! In Jesus' name, amen and amen!) In other words, we do not have to do God's work for Him. We are however, called to surrender wholeheartedly to Him, so that He can do His work through us, for the glory, honor, and praise of Holy Name! (Amen and Amen!)
Additionally, I cannot neglect to mention, that our vow and/or commitment to surrender to the LORD and His will, must be renewed daily. Moreover, it is imperative to note, that surrender also encompasses obedience to God's Holy Word, fearful (that is, respectful) reverence to His Holy Name, (Amen! Hallelujah!), and last but not least, the development and nourishment of an intimate relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit on a daily basis.
"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
(Isaiah 40:31; New Living Translation)
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with [M]y victorious right hand."
(Isaiah 41: 10; New Living Translation)
And it is with those scriptural verses in mind, that I would like to conclude this blog post. But before I leave you, please let me say this: The key to starting off the new year on the "right foot"-so to speak, is surrendering completely to God on a daily basis, in addition to, placing all your hope and faith in Jesus Christ! (Amen & Amen!)
More Scriptural food for thought: "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster[;] [plans] to give you a future and a hope."
(Jeremiah 29:11; New Living Translation)
All glory, honor, and praise, be to God Everlastingly!!!!!
Amen, Amen, & Amen!!!!!
May God Bless You!!! :)
Have a wonderful evening, and a Very Happy New Year!!!
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