I recently attended a weekend with a group of incredible women all seeking and serving to be more Christ-like. I relish my time with them and grateful for the ministry that provides the avenue for spiritual growth with my sisters in Christ.
This past weekend's theme was Surrender. As is my habit, I wanted to find out what the bible says about surrender. Each time it is used, it' reference is in battle. At first, I found this odd. It appeared to be a sign of weakness and defeat. Webster defines surrender as "to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand. Cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority."
If Christ is Lord of your life you will be compelled to surrender to His authority in your life. What baffles my mind is that there is this ongoing urge to resist submitting to Him. According to Jeremiah 29:11 He has a plan for my life, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. And in Romans 8:28 ...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Why on earth would I not want to surrender?
Unfortunately my sin nature is right there with me. In Genesis 4:7b it says sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” The only way to overcome sin in our lives is to surrender to the Authority of Christ. Only He can cover the sin. Isn't it marvelous that the One that calls us to surrender to Him is the very One that frees us from our sin/selves?
Surrender must be a daily, moment by moment action. As I aim to put my body and spirit back into balance I think of I Corinthians 9:27 "No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. Physically, mentally and spiritually we must be willing to deny ourselves, to release our body, soul and spirit to the Authority of Christ.
So raise your white flag with me and surrender to the One who is Lord over all!
White Flag Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1jgD69WzMY
