I had to let go of it, but I didn't know how. I didn't have the strength. I didn't have the desire. I surely didn't have the willpower. But I knew I had to. It wasn't right. I knew it wasn't God's intention for me. So why was it so hard to let go?
Because things you love are never easy to let go of. It's as if you're separating skin from bone in an excruciatingly painful process. It's a battlefield that pits Spirit against flesh. Why do you think the Bible uses the word crucify in Galatians 5:24 to describe how Christians are to deny their flesh? That thing ain't no joke! But notice how we show God we love that thing/person more than Him when we can't let go of something that wasn't ours to begin with. The Author of time and Creator of all things does not need anything from you. But, oh, how He desires your surrender. Surrender. What a word. What a word with such negative connotations. Surrender means you're weak. Surrender means you're not ABLE enough to hold on. Surrender, if characterized, has this ugly persona. But, wait -- you're right. We AREN'T strong enough to handle things ourselves.... But that's because we weren't designed to do so. Jesus tells us, "come to me all who are weary, and I will give you rest." He says to cast our cares on Him because He cares for us. Do you not think he meant that job, that man/woman, that health issue? You thought he just meant the "little things" in life? No way! We have these weak moments where we come to the ends of ourselves and have to tap into His strength for us to overcome. Surrender exhibits how strong we are. Surrender shows God the depth to which you trust Him to be true to His promises. The more we surrender, the more we show off our God-trusting muscle. We're literally flexing for Jesus when we surrender things to Him. Surrender is deep. Like deep deep. So let's break it down. 1. Why can't I let go? 2. Why should I? 3. What happens after I do? Why can't I let go? We tell ourselves that we can't a lot. I can't do this. I can't do that... That's why Jesus explicitly tells us we can do ALL things through Christ Who strengthens us. But I feel you. It's hard - scratch that - it feels impossible for us to even fathom letting go of some things. It makes us reevaluate who we are, what we believe and what we prioritize. If it's not challenging, it probably wasn't from God. Those things that challenge you are of Him. Surrender is not easy. Why should I? But if you find yourself in the position that you can't let go of something God is telling you to let go of (don't play - you KNOW when God is telling you to let something go), you show God you love that person/thing more than you love Him. You show Him your faith and trust in that person/thing is greater than your faith and trust in Him. And when we look at it from that perspective, what were we thinking? Ephesians 3:20 says now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or imagine. Do we really think God don't got it? But let's be real - sometimes that thing is what we thought God had for us. We thought that thing was in alignment with God's plans. We thought that thing had God's blessing on it because of the fruit it had exhibited in the past. But when the situation changes, we can't rely on what was, we have to look at what is. We have to redirect our focus to God and, with a sober mind, see what is in plain sight before us. Rick Warren says, "But we won't surrender to God unless we trust him. We can't trust him until we know Him better. Fear keeps us from surrendering, but love casts out all fear. The more you realize how much God loves you, the easier surrender becomes." What happens after I do? If we break down the essence of what surrender is, it (to me) boils down to two things: rest and peace. Think about it - when you give someone else a bill to pay, you don't have to worry about it anymore. You can REST in the truth that it has been resolved, so you have PEACE about the situation. Same with surrendering all of the other stuff. If I surrender this job or this relationship to God, I can REST in the truth that He will take care of it for me, so I have PEACE about the outcome of my circumstances. And if we're being real, Jesus has already paid the ULTIMATE price for us. Not only does His blood wash over our sins and redeem us, it covers our problems in unfathomable Grace. That's a promise on surrender - Grace. When we surrender, we also open ourselves up to the opportunity to be used. Romans 6:13 says we were predestined for good works in advance. If we were predestined to be used by God yet we can't let go of the reigns and surrender to Him, we'll never pursue the purpose and assignment on our lives. Surrender means you yield to purpose and assignment. Freedom is another repercussion of surrender. When we let go and let God, we are no longer holding ourselves responsible for the outcome. We are free to let God do as He plans with the faith that it will always be for our good. Since going through a particularly difficult surrender, God has also been reiterating the importance of being still. Particularly, being still and KNOWING He is God. Because when we KNOW He is God, we are reminded of His character and His promises. Promises to never leave us nor forsake us. Promises to work all things together for our good. Lastly, I found soberness is in surrender. After being so incredibly emotional about what was going on, when I finally let go, I was able to think clearly. I was able to see things without hindrance. When we are intoxicated by our emotions, we can't function properly. We can't surrender because we don't remember Who He is and what He has promised us. But after we surrender - LAWD, that is some peace right there! Let's be reminded that, "there is a moment of surrender, and there is the practice of surrender." Let's live a life that is not merely full of times during which we surrender things to God, but is instead a life that in each moment is characterized by surrender. Be strong, friends! Love you! Songs about surrender: Letting Go - Steffany Gretzinger Withholding Nothing - William McDowell Just Want You - Travis Greene feat. Chandler Moore -L
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