Surrender

The Holy Spirit brings an issue to your attention -- some area of your life where you previously assumed control out of selfishness, anxious distrust of God, or disbelief of God's wisdom, goodness, power and sovereignty. In response to this divine prompting, you repent, agree to surrender and become obedient by giving God complete control and deciding to be content with however His providence and glorious desire move.

After you've surrendered, how can you take back the control you once tried to exert and still walk in obedience? It is not possible to walk in disobedience and still experience the peace and joy of close fellowship with Christ, is it? No, but fear and anxiety loom over your head like a dark cloud -- the constant presence of the displeasure and chastening of God, who is lovingly wooing you back into a right relationship with Himself. In some ways, this is a comforting thought (Hebrews 12:5-6) knowing that we are, indeed, children of God and can be assured of our salvation.

But if you leave something at the feet of Christ, the foot of the cross, laid upon the altar (whichever analogy you choose) will picking it up again provide any comfort for you? Those who do not walk with Christ attempt to control every aspect of their lives as they chase after the vanity of the world. But we are called to be obedient as was Christ. Is it possible to live as the world and still be pleasing to God? In no way is that possible. I say it is better to remain obediently surrendered to the sovereign, pleasing will of God than to regain control. It is better to struggle with whatever outcome God designs to bring, than to walk contrary to the divine conscience under the heavy disciplinary conviction of the Holy Lord God Almighty. Ultimately, although we attempt to control our destinies, we are still subject to the awesome power and will of God who, with just a word, created all things and to whom we are all accountable for every word and action committed and omitted in this short life. Any attempts to do anything contrary to His secret will is vanity.

The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations:

He frustrates the plans of the peoples.

Psalm 33:10

"For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it?

And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?"

Isaiah 14:27