Surrender

 by Macy Johnson

“I eagerly expect and hope

that I will in no way be ashamed,

but will have sufficient courage

so that now as always

Christ will be exalted in my body,

whether by life or by death.”

(Philippians 1:20 NIV)

 

Oswald Chambers reminded me on New Year’s Day in “My Utmost for His Highest” to surrender my will to God absolutely and irrevocably. Nothing should get in the way of doing exactly what my Heavenly Father wants me to do.

 

That same morning I took Dayspring’s Word of the Year quiz and discovered my word: Surrender. I felt the Holy Spirit’s nudge, “when will you be willing to surrender your favorite tools to me?” My eight-year-old laptop computer is acting up. It is only a matter of time. Surrender = Dreaded Change.   

 

In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus surrendered to the will of His heavenly Father. He asked to be excused from impending torture, rejection, and pain, but knew He was on earth only to serve His Father’s purpose.

 

“Abba, Father, everything is possible for you.

Take this cup from me.

Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

(Mark 14:36 NIV)

 

I purchased a Tap-to-Pray bracelet, which provides me with a new Bible verse and prayer every day. Before turning on my computer in the morning, I tap my phone to the bracelet and begin my journey into God’s Word. It helps me to surrender and submit.

 

My heavenly Father has provided many opportunities to direct my thoughts to Him. My responsibility is to surrender and listen to His voice through the Holy Spirit. I may ask to be removed from the pain, but must succumb to His will, whatever it is.

 

I will surrender and submit to the Holy Spirit by His power today. I hope you will, too!