I Surrender All

Sweet surrender. What I long to do each day. A sweet surrendering of hopes, cares, worries, and dreams, a throwing off of the tendency to fear and become anxious about an unknown and somewhat scary future. For I know that in the midst of that surrender, God can and will lead and guide me into the hope of a future, one that is better than one I have even yet to imagine.

As I have mentioned earlier, I am currently reading a book entitled, "Lady in Waiting" by Jackie Kendall and Debby Jones. What an encouraging book! I encourage any single woman to read it. The entire book is mainly focused upon the story of Ruth and her journey to a God-ordained marriage to a Godly man named Boaz. One concept that stood out to me this week was that of being a "Lady of Conviction." In the ever-changing culture that we live in, Godly men and women of conviction are at times difficult to come by. Yet, how important it is to live by the truth's written in God's Word.....not letting our guard down no matter what we might face within this chaotic world. One of my favorite verses, Romans 12:2: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Such a vital part of a believer's life: living set apart, refusing to back down on the standards God has set for His own.

I admire this quality in Ruth's life. Instead of returning to her homeland after the death of her husband, she chose to continue to care for her mother-in-law. More importantly, she chose to continue to serve the one true God, the Most High. She chose to live a Godly life, refusing to turn her back on a "set-apart" life. What was the result? As she lived in faithfulness to God, He blessed her not only with a Godly husband, but also with a child who would be a part of the lineage of Christ Jesus.

A quote in this book really hit home: "Do we lower our standards because we seem out of step with our peers?" How many can relate to this statement? Is it always easy living a life set apart from the world? Most definitely not. Do we sometimes become discouraged and lonely? Absolutely.....at least I can personally say that. Psalm 112:1: "Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in His commands."

PRAISE GOD! What may seem like a lonely place is actually something quite beautiful. The Lord Jesus has placed upon you a calling. A high calling, one that few choose to follow. But dear ones, we have the hope, the promise, the gift of serving Him. What we find in His Word is great joy and blessing for those who follow in His way. But should this be the reason we serve Him? Do we only serve Him in order to receive blessings? Of course not. Even if not one blessing resulted out of living a life set apart for Him, would you do it? Would you trust Him even if every plan fell through, even if each day you felt the pangs of suffering, even if you stood alone for the rest of your life? Trust Him. Aren't you thankful that He has promised the gift of peace...that even if every plan fell through and even if you felt the pain loneliness brings...He would provide the grace and peace to sustain you through every last minute of it? Man...a comfort wells up in my soul at that very thought. One of my favorite Scripture passages comes to mind:

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

Nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."

Psalm 1: 1-3

Beautiful passage. Powerful truth. The highest calling one can ever imagine: a life consumed with living for Christ.

I encourage you tonight...to truly life a life set apart for Him. Refuse to let doubt creep in and cause you to wonder if it is really worth it. Continue to remember that God's faithfulness does not depend on the "good things" He allows to enter into your life. Choose to believe that no matter what may come in the future, He has a plan, and He will remain faithful. Living a life sold out to Him is what He desires for each of His own. I am encouraging myself, as well. Even when discouragement threatens to take that peace and even when you wonder if it's really worth all the struggle to live a Godly life......hold on, dear friend. He sees you. Even if the plans you may have made for yourself have evaporated...come undone....unravelled before you eyes, may your heart truly know tonight that He is a faithful God. He has given you a calling.......walk in obedience to Him. In His will and in His timing, the plans He has made for you will unfold. Yes, truly walk in obedience to Him.

Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and He will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act."

Psalm 37:4-7a

Hannah Grace