Why can’t some people surrender to Jesus?
Well it ain’t easy bro!
One of the best statements concerning what it means to completely surrender to God comes from David Wilkerson:
“Surrender.” What does this word tell you? In literal terms, surrender means to give up something to another person. It also means to relinquish something granted to you. This could include your possessions, power, goals, even your life.
Christians today hear much about the surrendered life. But what does it mean, exactly? The surrendered life is the act of giving back to Jesus the life he granted you. It’s relinquishing control, rights, power, direction, all the things you do and say. It’s totally resigning your life over to his hands, to do with you as he pleases.
Rick Warren said this about what it means:
- Following God’s lead without knowing where he’s sending you;
- Waiting for God’s timing without knowing when it will come;
- Expecting a miracle without knowing how God will provide;
- Trusting God’s purpose without understanding the circumstances.
One thing for sure we cannot be doubters and our faith must be strong to surrender. We must understand that the path of surrender begins with a God-led sense of utter helplessness. Therein lies one of the first problems. Most of us think we can solve our own problems and we put our faith in ourselves.
I read an article in Charisma magazine about Adrian Rogers, a famous 20th-century Baptist pastor. He once went on a mission trip to Romania. Over the course of two weeks, he bonded with his interpreter but hadn’t learned much about the man’s thoughts. So toward the end of the trip, he asked the man, “Tell me, what do you think of American Christians?”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” came the strange reply. This, of course, only made Dr. Rogers more curious, so he began to press the man for an answer.
After several attempts, Dr. Rogers finally said, “Why won’t you tell me? I really want to know.”
Finally, the interpreter capitulated. “Well, OK then, but you’re not going to like my answer. I don’t think you Americans understand what Christianity is all about. Back in the 1960s, you started to use the word ‘commitment’ to describe your relationship with Christ. However, any time a word comes into usage, another word goes into disuse.”
The man continued, “Until the 1960s, you Americans talked about ‘surrender’ to Christ. Surrender means giving up control, turning over all to the Master Jesus. By changing to the word ‘commitment,’ your relationship with Christ has become something you do, and therefore you are able to keep control. ‘Surrender’ means giving up all rights to one’s self. You Americans don’t like to do that, so, instead, you make a commitment.”
Hmmm . . . Lots of opinions flying around, but it boils down to trusting God. Do you believe that He loves you? That He died for you? That He is never going to desert you?
A.W. Tozer said: “The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven’t yet come to the end of themselves. We’re still trying to give orders, and interfering with God’s work within us. ”
Bill and Vonette Bright got up every morning only to get down on their knees and recommit to God that they were slaves to Christ. He remarked it made it easy for him. Once when he was interviewed by a magazine writer he was asked what kept him up late at night. He replied that he slept exceedingly well and didn’t ever worry about anything. The reporter scoffed at that answer and Mr. Bright looked at him and said something to the order of: “Why son I’m a slave. Slaves don’t worry. The Master is the one that handles that department. He leaned back in his chair with a twinkle in his eyes and just smiled that big wide smile that only comes from knowing and trusting Christ in everything you do.
Have you surrendered? If not, today is a nice day, why not get started today?
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
October 21, 2015 – Click here to listen