I Surrender

Proverbs 23:26 “My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways”

I give up the illusion that I have any control over my life. I am powerless on my own to stand against the world. This is why I turn to God. This is why I give my life to him. This is why I choose to surrender each day to Him. If I do not submit to an all loving, all knowing, all powerful God, then I am laying my life at the feet of circumstance, putting my welfare in the hands imperfection, giving into the father of lies.

A mother that I met early on in our battle with Leukemia recently lost her son, his name was Drew. He was just over two years old, Claire’s age. They shared the exact same diagnosis and treatment plan except this young boy experienced no relapse.  Drew was doing well until the past two months. He was seemingly puny with no explanation. After Christmas the family checked into the hospital on a Wednesday evening for tests and answers, not knowing that Friday morning Drew would draw his last breath. Later it was determined to be caused by a sick and weakened heart. Due to his weak immune system a virus had settled into his heart, there was nothing that could be done.

If we had control over our lives we would never be sick, never experience disaster, never be stressed, never be poor, never be rejected, never experience death, and never be tested. However, that is just not possible. James 1:2 states “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds…” The word that strikes me is when you meet trials which implies there is a certainty you will face tribulation, only the time or cause is unknown. However it continues to say “ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” The last part of that verse provides us the hope found in surrendering our imperfect and flawed situations to Christ. We may not be in charge of the situations and trials we experience, but we are in complete control of who we surrender them to and how we react. God does not delight in the suffering that we face, but he does rejoice in the strengthening it can have on our walk with Christ. He can use these times to fortify our faith so it may become more complete and better able to help us navigate each day…..but only if we surrender to Him.

2 Cor 4:8-10 “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” Some afflictions we face are due to the consequence of our own action, and others are the product of residing in a fallen and flawed world. Either way we do not have to succumb these trials. If we give in to the stress, sorrow, fear, worry, concern, anxiety, or pressures of this world than we doubt the faithfulness of God and his sovereignty. Doubting takes away our power to submit and fully trust God making that which is imperfect the controller of our lives. James 1:5-6 “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind”

The healing from the past, the effects of today, and the plans prepared for tomorrow are known only to the Lord. Only he can provide complete rest, comfort, and peace.” These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33  Nothing in this world can provide a lasting and sustaining support like the Lord, because everything exists in only this moment like us. There are many things buying for our attention such as our work, family, friends, hobbies, health, goals, and future.  May we be careful to not surrender ourselves to these things, but invite God into them, making him a part of every part of our day; therefore, the greatest portion of our life “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21