Absolute Surrender

Six and a half years ago, when my life as I knew it came crashing down around my feet and the exhaustion of keeping up pretenses finally knocked me over, I found a level of humility that finally let me begin to surrender all to the Lord. Fast forward to now and I seem to be getting smacked in the face daily for all that I have apparently not surrendered.

“…the condition of God’s blessing is absolute surrender of all into His hands. If our hearts are willing for that, there is no end to what God will do for us, and to the blessing God will bestow.” – Andrew Murray, Absolute Surrender (1895)

The greatest need of the church right now (and in 1895) is absolute surrender to God. It’s easy to say, harder to do. We expect the Lord to hear our prayers and answer our calls, but we are most often unwilling to surrender our lives and hearts into his hands. The God of the universe is the source of all things good in this world. He is life and love and blessing and power – and he delights to be in communion with his children. He spoke the promise into his Word, if he will clothe the lilies and feed the birds, what more would he be willing to do for us?  And yet we hinder his Spirit because we are unwilling to let go of control and trust.

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:31-33

God cannot work within us without our complete surrender; every day, every hour, surrendered to his will and his work. Here is a bit of good news: God does not expect you to do this successfully within your own strength or by your own will – praise God, he knows us better than that!

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

– Philippians 2:13

The entire purpose of the Holy Spirit is to come into our hearts and clean out what is wrong, conquer what is evil, and work out what is pleasing to God. God has sent the Helper to help us live in absolute surrender! Throughout the Bible you can see God raise up and prepare those that acted in great faith – he prepared them to be an instrument for His glory, and he is no different in dealing with you. God will not demand from you more than he is willing to also bestow upon you.

And he will accept your surrender in whatever condition you offer it – most certainly, imperfect in nature. Jesus has always accepted us exactly as we are; fragile, imperfect, fearful and stubborn – but when we offer God our surrender, and we ask him to do HIS work in us so that we can accomplish that surrender, the Holy Spirit will work inside you.

…But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”  “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”  Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark 9:22b-24

In a world that promotes independence, self-confidence, ambition, and self-effort – we must be different. I used to think being strong and independent was a badge of honor, especially as a woman; but I am learning that dependence on God is not only far less stressful, but a much greater reward. We must recognize that we grieve the Holy Spirit when we function in self; self-will, self-confidence, and self-effort.

So, are you brave enough to ask God today to show you how to come into perfect surrender? I am – and I know I’ll make mistakes and take back control occasionally, but I am committed to trying to live in sync with the Master. Because one thing I fear more than failure here, is getting to Heaven to see all the things I could have been a part of if I had just let it go and let God work.

Father, we ask you to work in us daily; to empower us to deny self and bow humbly at your feet, submitted to your will and your good plans for us. Forgive us for the times we grieve the Holy Spirit by living for our own will and pleasure. Help us to live in the power of the risen Savior, as children of the Creator and warriors for the Kingdom of God. And may your blessings pour down on our surrender, changing not only our lives but the fabric of the world around us.  - Amen