Submission is not a popular word in today's culture. Submission is defined as allowing oneself to be subjected to some kind of treatment. Doesn't sound overly appetizing, does it? Submission in biblical context means this - yield to God's authority and will, commit your life to him and his control, and be willing to follow Him.
In other words, be Peter. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:19-20 At once they left their nets. They didn't wring their hands in worry. They didn't make excuses. They didn't complain because they had just invested all their money in their boats.
They trusted and obeyed.
Total submission is hard. I mean really hard. For me, it takes concentration and focus every moment of every day. At first I thought submitting to the Lord just meant to be good and not sin, but it's much more than that. Trusting him completely is the highest form of submission. Last time we talked about appreciating the hardship in our lives as part of God's plan. I'd like to expand on that a bit.
Last night as I was getting ready to leave work I decided to pull up my upcoming pay check. I figured I'd start building my budget now so I was ready when it got here. But when I saw the amount my heart fell like a brick. It was substantially less than it should have been. I read through the entire break down, looking for a mistake...and found none. The entire way home war waged in my heart. I had spent too much at the cafe and company store and now I didn't have enough for bills. And it was all because of poor choices.
I felt like a child in a time out. And boy, did I go kicking and screaming just like my toddler. And I pouted. Again, that question came up. Why me?
Then the Holy Spirit gently reminded me - these were your choices, not mine. Even so, I love you and I will protect you.
I smiled the rest of the way home because I knew he was right. I asked for forgiveness for my selfishness and it was granted to me. The world was lifted off my shoulders and I could think clearly - I knew that God would provide for us. And in the grand plan, this would be a tiny bump that he can use for his glory.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
His power is made perfect in weakness.
Times of affliction most often mean the most spiritual growth. Trials will strengthen our relationship with our Lord. Have you ever gone through hardship with a friend and were thankful later because it brought you closer? When we weather the storm we learn to rely on our God for shelter and comfort. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10. As for me, I am learning to praise God in times of hardship. It's during these times I am most intuned to whispering his name and bringing myself back in tune with him, rather than the lies of the world. After all, this life is temporary. If you picture Jesus' face smiling at you, how could you help but smile? So the next time you're feeling particularly worn or like giving up, picture his face and whisper this simple prayer.
Lord, I surrender all to you. Have my heart, have my mind, have my body and my soul. You are in control over my life, and I will not stand in your path. Have your way in me.
Amen.
God bless.
What weaknesses do you have that can be used for God's glory?
