Oakwood Church Fresh Start Women's Devotional Encouragement for Today Hartland Delafield

Surrender
By Peggy Kleckner

"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed. "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Mark 9:23-24 (NIV)

A while back, I woke up one morning pondering surrender. The picture I thought of is putting up the white flag and coming out with your palms in the air. What a vulnerable, trusting position! We have all seen that picture played out in the movies, but those people were surrendering to their enemies. Imagine trusting your enemies enough to lay down your weapons and turn yourself over to their will. What a frightening picture! It is no wonder this is done only as a final choice, when no hope is left and it seems to be the only option to save your life.

As Christians, we are called to surrender. However, we are called to surrender our lives to the lover of our souls! Why do we struggle so? Why is it so difficult to come out from our burdens, lay down all of our masks and surrender to the One who created us, knows us best, has good plans for us and has such a tender heart toward us? Is it a lack of faith? Faith is defined as unquestioning belief, complete trust or confidence. Do we trust ourselves more than we do our Lord? Oh Lord, help our unbelief, our lack of true faith! Do we think God is not big enough to rescue us from our sinful nature? Help our unbelief! Is God not big enough to rescue us from the hold of our enemy? Help our unbelief! Is God not big enough to change our attitudes and renew our minds? Help our unbelief! Is God not able to do above and beyond all that we can think, hope or dream? Help our unbelief!

Let’s take a few minutes and picture ourselves coming out of hiding with an air of "everything is fine,” out past our self-built walls of protection and throw our empty palms in the air. He is waiting for us and we will find rest in Him.

Lord, we do believe, but help our unbelief!

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what area of your life are you still struggling to trust God? Can you hear Him calling you to surrender it?
2. Ask Him to help you with any unbelief, doubt or lack of trust.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 118:8, Matthew 11:28, Proverbs 3:5

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield.