December 6, 2023: Readied for Surrender

Readied for Surrender

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“Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭38‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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I don't think you're reading this right now because you're looking to have a mediocre relationship with God. I believe you're here now looking to dig in and go deeper into your relationship with God like never before. I want you to know that the relationship with God that you crave exists. It doesn't just exist, but exists for you because you are meant to have it.

We all know that relationship takes 2, right? I'm certain we can all look back through our histories and recollect a relationship that only 1 person was invested in it, maybe you- maybe them. It could've been with a parent, a child, a spouse, a friendship, any loved one really. It's likely in that scenario that it was difficult, frustrating, and unfulfilling.

This Scripture gives us a beautiful picture. We get a glimpse into what Mary’s heart looks like. She’s ready to surrender and be obedient. I'm confident this wasn't just one act, but this was done through preparation of countless day-in and day-out choices. She had chosen relationship with God. This was a mutual relationship.

Have you ever thought about the people who are put in difficult situations and do the right thing? The right thing could be the hardest thing, it could be mercy, it could mean being perseverant, it could be standing up for the oppressed, it could mean giving grace while speaking truth. I think it's reasonable that we look at how difficult this would have been.

Mary made the choice to be obedient and surrender to God’s way every day, even when it was difficult, even when she didn't feel like it. She was training. She was preparing for this day.

How can we have a heart that is completely surrendered to God’s will like Mary?

Bill Johnson poses the question:

“So how does one position his or her heart in perpetual surrender?” That's what we want. A heart position like this can feel elusive, when we review and take into account our history. I know all of the wrong choices I've made. I know where I've messed up.

Bill Johnson reasons the answer is found in these verses:

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“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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Surrender can be done in the context of lordship or sonship (daughtership). He is Lord but He is also Father. Surrender can be done out of love or duty.

Let's return our hearts to our first love. Preparing our hearts in daily choices to love Him as daughters of the King. So when the time comes (and it will) we will have done the work and invested in relationship with Jesus and our heart is readied to surrender whatever He asks.

Prayer: Father, thank you for preparing our hearts to be readied for surrender. Thank you for each day’s lessons and gifts that prepare us and refine us. You are our first love, let us never put any other before you. So, when the time comes and You ask us for obedience our answer is “let it be to me according to your word.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

Take a Walk

It is supposed to be a mild temperature week for a Wisconsin December. I want to encourage you to get outside and take a stroll, leave your AirPods at home and take it all in. Let the sound of nature sing. Allow the crisp air awaken your senses and listen for God’s voice. He certainly is speaking...but are you listening? Get refreshed. It doesn't have to be long, plan at least 10-15 minutes. You'll thank me for it later.

#advent2023