Day #11: Thursday, January 14th

The Blessing of Surrender

Scripture References: Rom. 6:17-18, Luke 1:38, 2 Cor. 5:9, Phil. 4:13

Devotional

When you fully surrender your life to God on a daily basis, you will experience His peace, freedom, and power.  ​

But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you’ve let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you’ve started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom!” (Rom 6:17-18 MSG). ​

As Joshua approached the biggest battle of his life, he encountered God, fell in worship before him, and surrendered his plans.  That surrender led to a tremendous victory at Jericho.  Isn’t it funny how victory comes through surrender.  Instead of weakening you, surrender actually strengthens you.  
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Surrendered people are the ones God uses.  God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, not because she was talented or wealthy or beautiful, but because she was totally surrendered to him.  When the angel explained God’s improbable plan, she calmly responded, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants.”  (Luke 1:38). Nothing is more powerful than a surrendered life in the hands of God. 

Surrender is not simply the best way to live; it is the only way to live. Paul said, 

Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.” (2 Cor 5:9). ​

Your wisest moments will be those when you say yes to God.  And saying yes will require you to put away your self-will, stubborn pride, and personal ambition.  You will never fulfill God’s purposes for your life while focusing on your own plans.  
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Make a deliberate and conscious decision to put Jesus in the driver’s seat of your life and take your hands off the steering wheel.  Mastered by Christ, you will be able to handle anything.  And just like Paul, you will be able to say,

I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength into me, that is, I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency.”  (Phil. 4:13 AMP).

As you continue your 40 Days of Life, remember that there is a moment of surrender and there is also the practice of surrender.  Practicing surrender is a moment-by-moment and lifelong commitment.  Jesus said,

If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing to give up their lives daily to follow me.”  (Luke 9:23 NCV).

Stop arguing and struggling with God over His right to do with your life as He pleases. Today, make a decision to surrender to God’s grace, love, and wisdom.

Prayer

“Lord, I make a decision to listen to You and only You today.
As I surrender my plans to You, bring victory in every area of my life.
Strengthen me in your power.
As you used Mary, use me.  I accept whatever you want.
I surrender control of the steering wheel of my life to You.
May I be energized and infused with your strength today.”