20th July 2022

We surrender!

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 (NIV)

If I’m honest, I guess I used to believe that surrender was a bit of a difficult concept. I think I attempted to surrender some little plans here and there to God. The big decisions certainly would be turned over to Him – what career should I pursue? Should I marry this wonderful man that caught my eye? (I did.) Is the time right to move house? Should we start a family?

Perhaps most Christians would say they turn over the major things to God, either in part or in full, but do we surrender a little and test the water, so to speak, and then take back control before we have even given the Lord a chance to move! Remember in Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength.’ Perhaps one way to read this is that we can do all things only because He gives us strength.

I have felt challenged of late to hand over more….not just more….everything. The header scripture says, “…apart from me you can do nothing.” How true it is that the Lord Jesus is the only one who is able, the only one who has true power, strength and wisdom. He does give these gifts to us but He is the one and only source of all that is good. 

So what does surrender look like? Do we need to forgive someone? Hand it over to the Lord, surrender that need to Him. Do we want to get fitter and healthier? Hand it over – let Jesus be your motivation, your staying power and determination. Would you like to be more disciplined? This too is a gift from the Lord; give your weaknesses to Him and let him empower you. Would you like to find the courage to speak to your neighbour about Christ? Take it before the Lord.

Now for the how! That too is with Jesus – ask Him to show you how to surrender more fully to Him. This conversation comes through prayer. Jesus wants you to bring it all to Him – everything.

Prayer
Father, teach us to rely on you so fully and completely that we are able to surrender every desire, plan, hurt and ambition to your perfect will.  In the name of our Lord Jesus, Amen.

Study by Sinead Henderson

About the writer:
Sinead Henderson attends the Northampton congregation of Grace Communion International

Local congregation:
GCI Northampton
Ecton Village Hall
78A High Street
Ecton
Northampton
NN6 0QB

Meeting time:
Saturday 11.00 am

Local congregational contact:
Margaret Mitchell
Email: northampton@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:w
ordoflife@gracecom.church