No More Running

This theme of running has been going on for quite a while in my life. I have been running from past mistakes, hurts, fears, disappointments, and the unknown.

Recently, everything I have been reading and experiencing shouts to me the same thing, "Surrender, stop running, give in and let go"!

As a strong-willed woman this is no easy task! For years I would pride myself with the, " I can do it by myself, I got it" attitude. Just the typical outwardly self-assured and confident superwoman complex. But inside when the façade is down there's insecurity and doubt.

The truth is God did not make us so that we could be self-sufficient. He created us to be in relationship with Him.

He is the creator, we are the created.

He is the vine, we are the branches.

He is the potter, we are the clay.

He alone gives life eternal!

Are you ready to stop running? 

I have been bombarded with this theme of surrender and what I've been reading has shook me up! I love how God connects the dots for us.

All In by Mark Batterson. One of his phrases that stuck with me is " Are you following Jesus or are you asking Jesus to follow you? "

Undaunted by Christine Cane  She's challenging me to trust God, to let go and let him lead.

Several months ago we hosted the IF Gathering at our church. You can read more about IF here.   The premise behind IF is simple. "If God is real, then we want to live like it

Notice a theme?

God wants us to live a surrendered life, to stop running from ...............and let Him lead, guide, redefine us redirect us, restore us and reinvigorate us!

I am so glad that God has given us scripture that tells us how we can surrender daily to Him.

Surrender your Emotions

Luke 10:38-42  Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” 

Martha wanted Jesus to be just as upset as she was!

Question: How can I surrender my emotions to Jesus?

Surrender your Plans

Luke 22:41-42  He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,  “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.

Jesus could have run from this call, instead He prayed and gave His life for us.

Question: How can you daily surrender your plans to the Lord?

Surrender your Pride

John 13:12-17 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.  “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.  Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Jesus gave us an example that he wants us to follow.

Question: What area of pride needs to be surrendered to Him today?

Surrender your Selfishness

Phil. 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Question: How can you show the love of Jesus by putting someone else before yourself?

Surrender your Anger

1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Question: Who can you bless instead of harboring anger towards?

Honestly I could go on and on! Please don't be overwhelmed. If you will just pick one of these areas to surrender and offer it before the Lord I believe you will see change. Let's stop running together and live our lives surrendered to Him.