I have been preparing for this lesson that I am teaching/leading in our Bible study on Surrender . The chapter that we are on is called “Facing our Fears”.
I studied almost ALL day and was just overwhelmed by the many directions I could go with this weeks lesson. I prayed that God would reveal what direction I should take it.. and then, He did.
God’s word clearly tells us to put off anything that hinders our work for God. Not just sin…but anything that may take the place of God in our lives. Anything that keeps us in bondage..which in turn becomes something we cling to more closely than God.
See, the study that God led us to teach and study, is also going hand-in-hand with what our sermons at church are about. This study on Surrender has been tough at times.. but we know that it is the one God wanted us to lead.
God makes no mistakes.
When we hold back from surrendering to God, we are trying to hold on to control. Fact of the matter is this: we don’t LET God do anything.. He is in control anyways. When we fight surrender, we are choosing ourselves over Christ. We are saying that we don’t need God and that our way is better. Why are we so afraid of surrender? When are we going to realize that we can do nothing apart from God!?! Nothing that is of lasting value.. I don’t know about you, but I need God desperately every single minute of every day..I mess up..He doesn’t. His ways are always best.
Psalm 27:1 ~ The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 25:9 ~ He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
I have been hindered by my own selfish desires before. I have been afraid of stepping out in faith. I have also stepped out in faith in spite of my silly fears. I have fought God’s will..and I have surrendered to His will. Surrender brings peace. The peace that only comes from God. The kind of peace that you just can’t explain. The kind of peace where others are wondering how in the world you could have it.
Philippians 4:7 ~ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
It feels like a weight lifted off of your shoulders when you finally let go of your tight grip of control. Realizing that God is in control and He doesn’t need a co-pilot or a back seat driver. No, He’s got it all covered. He does want to use us to spread the Gospel.
If you had told me a year ago that I would be co-leading a Ladies Bible study, I would have laughed. If you had told me a year ago that I would be hosting a blog that would make a difference for Christ, I would have said, ” not me, I can’t do something like that..I am not capable.” With God ALL things are possible. Note the WITH GOD part. That is the important part.
Matthew 19:26(NIV) ~ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Look for more posts relating to this topic. I know I haven’t published posts as frequently, I have written several that I plan to publish as soon as God reveals the time to me.
One more thing that I would like to challenge you to do: Read the entire Bible…I am doing so as well..and I have been so blessed and enlightened. God’s word is TRUTH..God’s word is alive. God’s word is revealing. God’s word has the best advice! God’s word has some really cool facts about history. It is not a fairy tale book..the stories are real..the people are real. Read the Bible in it’s entirety with me! I would love for you to! Most importantly, God would love for you to.
John 17:17 ~ Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
John 8:32 ~ Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Blessings to you all and praying you trust God and surrender if you haven’t already!
HEATHER 🙂
Hope For The Broken 