Devotion from Pastor Noel - 29th Sep 2020

Surrendering – it’s just not the Aussie way!

I’ve come across a lot of people in the past few weeks who have a problem with surrendering situations to God. Some are holding on to things of the past and being slowly poisoned by toxins released into their bloodstreams by their negative feelings every time they revisit the trauma of what happened to them.

Some are in leadership and feel that it is their responsibility to work it all out as shepherd of the flock. They are burdened and troubled by the responsibility of caring for others. Some are worried about their children, wondering if they will ever make sense of the Christian faith themselves and commit their lives to following Jesus. Others are stressed or ‘under the pump’ by having to make big decisions in their lives, crucial ones which must be correct or the future may be disastrous. They seek counsel from advisors and mentors but remain perplexed because answers do not come.

Have you been there? Maybe you’re there right now… Maybe this is normal for you…

Well, I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that Jesus has been there, He is there with you now and He knows all about your circumstances, including the answer to the question you are asking and the solution to the problem you face. The bad news is that you have to completely surrender your situation to Him, commit yourself entirely into His hands and trust Him to provide the answer!

‘But, it’s not as easy as that!’ I hear you say. ‘You don’t know the pressure I’m under. I have prayed, I have talked to God about it. I know the theory, but in practice…’

Yes, but have you surrendered it to God?

‘Well, I’ve talked it over with my pastor, and he said…’

Yes, that’s a great thing to do, but have you surrendered it to God?

‘Yes, er, sort of, but surrendering is so tough for Aussies – it’s has been bred into us to not give in but stay in there and fight. It’s the warrior ANZAC spirit in our blood, it’s in our genes, it goes against the grain to give up!’

That may be true but please don’t confuse giving up with surrendering to God. Surrendering an issue to God is actually the very best way of continuing to fight and experiencing victory!

Philippians 4:6 says, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ( ie surrender it to God ) And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ (brackets added)

Now that’s peace and the doorway to that peace is Jesus! Come in surrender to Him – it’s the path to victory!

Ps Noel