I Surrender...

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As we draw closer to the end of this age, we have to come to the realization that our lives are really not our own. As Christians, we have been bought with a price…a very high one. Jesus had a purpose and He stopped at nothing to lay His life down for you and me. And now, it’s our turn. Think about that for a moment. Are you willing to stop at nothing to fulfilling all that God has purposed you to do? Because if so, that will take you lying down your life and saying a wholehearted, “Yes, Lord. I surrender.”

No doubt, getting to this point is not as easy as it appears. It wasn’t easy for Jesus. Remember the struggle he had in the Garden of Gethsemane? The Bible shows us how tough that was, in Matthew 26:39-42, “Going a little further, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” (NIV) He prayed the same prayer three times, because He knew that the task ahead of Him was going to be really tough. BUT, in that quiet time alone with God, He knew in His heart that if that’s what His Father wanted, then that’s exactly what He was going to do. Are you getting this?  

Jesus surrendered with words and in action when Judas and the guards came to take him captive. He didn’t fight them or argue with them. Instead, He surrendered. But it started with prayer. Sometimes when God is calling us to do something beyond ourselves, go to another level in Him, or trust Him deeper, it’s not easy. But that’s when we have to fall on our face to the floor and say, “Lord, this isn’t easy what you’re asking of me, but not my will, your will be done.”

I can tell you from experience, that this is pretty tough. It’s really a dying process from within. The reason being is because there are things that you would love to do or places you would love to go, but then God says, “Your life is not your own. You’ve been bought with a price. Just trust Me.” And this is where personal surrender takes place. I’ve had those moments, even recently where I’ve had to lay prostrate on the floor before the Lord and cry out to Him, knowing that the task ahead of me wouldn’t and won’t be easy. But because I want what He wants, I choose to say, “I surrender.”

When Jesus was choosing His disciples, they had to let go of everything to follow Him. And that meant that they would have to deny themselves. And we have to do the same. Matthew 16:24-26 tells us, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. For whosoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it…For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?’” (NASB)

The key here is to follow Christ and trust God with our lives. As Christians, we are supposed to be Christ-followers. Remember, we are supposed to be imitators of Jesus, not the world. That means that we are to lay down our lives for one another. That means loving one another by what we say, do, and how we serve… all for the cause of Christ. Jesus tells us in John 15:12-13 says, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” When we willingly sacrifice what we want, others will benefit greatly and see the power of God’s love through us. This is when God is glorified!

Listen sis, no matter where you are at this point in your life, you have to know that it’s not about you. I have to be real! Time is running out. Our lives, professions, or ministries, etc. is not about us. We have to do what God is calling us to do at all cost and trust Him. So I encourage and beckon you to lay down your life before the Lord. Consider Him in your decisions, goals, and schedule. And always remember that it’s His plan. It’s His purpose. Everything will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. Our job is to say, “Lord, I surrender.” I pray this message today brings you hope, peace, and a newfound perspective on fulfilling God’s will for your life.

*Hebrews 12:2

“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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

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*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! Don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye) and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!