“Surrender” seems to be a recurring theme in my life these days.
I surrendered my life to Christ when I was just a girl, but now, at the age of 45, He is tapping me on the shoulder and getting my attention in ways that are requiring a further surrender. I’m being called to surrender some things in my life that are functioning as “idols” to me and taking up room in my heart that belongs to God. I’m being called upon to continually surrender my children to God’s care and keeping, since I can no longer (at least in good conscience!) micro-manage their lives. I’m also receiving the message – loud and clear – that I’m to surrender to God’s call to minister in a way I’ve never ministered before. A call to the new and unknown.
You know, we humans really don’t like the idea of surrender. We’re a self-sufficient people who take great pride in being able to “make it on our own”. Surrender often feels like a sign of weakness; the way of the “pansy”. To us, it’s the raising of the white flag and giving ourselves over in defeat.
In spite of all this, however, God is still calling me to it. He’s asking me if I would dare to trust Him. I read a quote this morning from Francois Fenelon, who was a French priest appointed by King Louis XIV to tutor his grandson, the future heir to the throne. Here it is:
To want to serve God in some conditions, but not others, is to serve Him in your own way. But to put no limits on your submission to God is truly dying to yourself. This is how to worship God. Open yourself to God without measure. Let His life flow through you like a torrent. Fear nothing on the road you are walking. God will lead you by the hand. Let your love for Him cast out the fear you have for yourself.
So there it is: FEAR. It’s scary to surrender because you are, in effect, giving up control. And we don’t like that. At all. God may give us an inkling as to His plan, but oftentimes, He wants us to say “yes” to Him before we even really know what He’s got planned. So, surrender God’s way is absolutely NOT the way of the “pansy”. It takes courage to put down your own plans and your own control and say “I’m all yours”. It is NOT laying down in defeat but opening yourself up to be used for great victory.
“Let your love for Him cast out the FEAR you have for yourself”. That will resonate with me today, because is that not a good definition of godly courage?
What are you being called to surrender today? What victories could God possibly have waiting for you if you dare to say “yes”? If God is really working on you in this area, I’d love to hear about it!
I popped over from Lysa TerKeurst blog and it looks like we have several things in common…although we are not quite empty nesters! We have two girls, 18 and 14, and God has made sure to give us a new journey for the summer and beyond. You can check out my blog if you are interested!
Your blog looks awesome! I will be sure to check in on occasion.
Pamela in TX
Melinda,
After reading Colossians 3:1-15 out of NIV twice, I then picked up The Message, and I had felt conviction so strong to get something right with a close friend. A situation that only happened yesterday, but between then and now I was SCARED/FEARFUL of coming clean to her that I might loose her friendship.
This morning I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that if I didn’t step out and not fear her but FEAR GOD, then I would loose some annointing and dissapoint the One that means the most.
So there you have it….surrendering myself because of Him. Stepping into OBEDIENCE and a NEW FRESH WALK OF FAITH.
Love,
Yolanda
This was a great post! I’m moved by the quote and I’ve printed it out to read over it today, and ponder its meaning.
I like to believe I’m fully surrendered to God, but am I? I will be asking myself this question today, as well.
Thank you for the thought provoking post!
Perfect love casts out fear.
This is so awesome Melinda. Why can’t I just surrendar ALL and let Him do with me as He pleases??
Get out of the way Fran!
Hugs,
Fran
Yes God is working on me in this area. I spent a part of my day yesterday in tears just thinking about all the “loose ends” in my life right now. I hate loose ends. I like seen plans and purposes, but God is allowing me my angst for a greater purpose. He’s after something more in me. Life as usual and comfortable no longer fits, even as much as I try to cram this flesh within its parameters. I can’t fully articulate all that’s going on, but I’d love to hear more about your story. You’re welcome to e-mail me sometime with the details.
peace~elaine
Great quote. I wonder how many people who have ever sung the hymn, “I Surrender All” can really claim it. Very, very few would be my guess. In my prayers lately, I’ve been quoting Janis Joplin (lol) on the subject of surrender: “Take another little piece of my heart, Lord.” Yes, fear….definitely. I think I can handle surrender one piece at a time, but He wants it all…and the rest it up to Him. SIGH ~ I have never really totally surrendered. My two biggest arenas are probably my time and money (wasting it on such frivilous things). Another huge SIGH! Thank you, Lord, for Your patience, mercy and grace. May I become more Christ-centered and less self-centered ~ which means surrendering. And You know in my heart of hearts I am scared. Help me with my fear, dear Father. I am so very selfish and frightened.