When We Surrender

“O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” (Matthew 26:42) 

When we say yes to the Lord’s call, the life we have entered into is nothing like we thought. No man or woman can predict what the Lord is going to do with or through them. No one knows where our obedience will take us, and we would be wise to count the personal cost. That is because devotion to Christ is an exquisite thing, and it will test every fiber of our being; but in return, it will gain us more than we can imagine, if we endure to the end. Our journey only begins when we pick up our cross and follow Him. This is much more than a "decision" for Christ (remember, you did not choose Him, but He chose you); but a daily commitment to laying down our lives, and a refusal to ever take them up again. There is no other way to live for Christ and to serve Him acceptably. "Your will be done."

 

We begin a new and profoundly beautiful life as we learn to trust and obey, especially when all prevailing wisdom tempts us to take the common-sense path; that road is littered with many shipwrecked lives. Jesus is teaching us to trust Him completely, to wait with Him, to stand with Him, to suffer with Him, and to reign with Him. His will, not ours, makes our lives the sweet-smelling sacrifice that pleases the Father, and that is the blessed life that enjoys His favor and intimacy. So, let the Lord have His way and surrender to His will. You can be sure the end of your surrender will be glorious, just like our Lord's.

 

. . . looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

 

Let's Pray - Lord, may I never fail to surrender my will and desire to Yours. Lead me by Your loving Spirit, and I will follow. Amen.