7 replies to this topic

[Revdavid]

I really find it difficult to surrender every area of my life to My Lord! Does anyone else find it difficult?

[Julie Daube]

I sure do! To be honest, I would find it hard to imagine that any believer would be able to surrender every area of life to the Lord (but that doesn't mean we shouldn't desire to). Basically, that would mean that the person had achieved complete and total sanctification, and I don't believe that can be said of any believer. Every time we sin, that represents some area of life that has not been fully surrendered to God. I think there is only one Person who ever surrendred fully to the Father's will, and that's Jesus.

Instead of stressing out over how much of my life I have surrendered to the Lord, I am praying that He will teach me to rest in His grace and to focus on who I am in Christ. Surrender will probably come more naturally when it flows out of our identity in Jesus. Just my two cents!

[joe4jcnow]

I sure do! To be honest, I would find it hard to imagine that any believer would be able to surrender every area of life to the Lord (but that doesn't mean we shouldn't desire to). Basically, that would mean that the person had achieved complete and total sanctification, and I don't believe that can be said of any believer. Every time we sin, that represents some area of life that has not been fully surrendered to God. I think there is only one Person who ever surrendred fully to the Father's will, and that's Jesus.

Instead of stressing out over how much of my life I have surrendered to the Lord, I am praying that He will teach me to rest in His grace and to focus on who I am in Christ. Surrender will probably come more naturally when it flows out of our identity in Jesus. Just my two cents!

[joe4jcnow]

If in fact Christ was the only one who walked in total surrender to the Father's will(and He was),and He was constantly telling the disciples to "follow me". We then have to look at how Jesus brought himself into submission to the Father's will. And "follow Him". Where did we see Jesus in total submission to the Father's will. In the Garden of Gethsemane-"complete submission". What was He doing to bring about this submission? "Praying".....then we must follow Him.....(Matthew 26:36-46)(Mark 14:32-42)(Luke 22:39-46)The only way it can come for us is to be a "follower" of Christ. To be in union with Him, to be on the same road as Him, to be a "disciple" of Him.

[joe4jcnow]

It is not at all an easy task to be a true disciple of Christ. However, He is the one who chose us. That's what I have to remind myself of daily, "you didn't choose me, I chose you." I think most of us would never choose "us" but He did.....He knows what He is doing....Do we???

[Brian Rushfeldt]

Hi Rev. David,

For 32 years now I have been practicing surrender. One day it's the Lords, the next day I take it back. I realize each time I give it up and experience His answer, His direction it moves me along the journey to depend more on Him.

One thing that has helped me, is learning to recognize the seperation of my natural and my spirit. It is not like a daul personality but it becomes more clear when my spirit is awake and active and I focus from that part of me. I often ask myself - WHO made that decision - me or Holy Spirit?

Will there be a day, this side of heaven, that I am completely surrendered? I don't know but it is sure amazing when I can surrender. What a great purpose and goal it is to desire complete surrender.

Brian

[Dan Messersmith]

What a great topic , the most challenging but certainly the most rewarding.

A few years ago, I found myself in a position of having to totally "trust" in Him. Not just "for all things" , that's the easy part, but "with all things" . It's a level of trust I had never relinquished to anyone before , not even God .

It was and still is, an incredible experience . Now, each day I get up looking for God and make a concious decision to put Him at the center. My goal is to seek His Word in all matters, to do whatever that is and then let go.

The joy and peace that only He can give is such an awesome reward for our simple obedience .

Dan

[Revdavid]

Thanks to all who have responded so far. It has really helped. As you have thoughts on surrender please share with me. I need every thought, that I can get. May the Holy Spirit be poured out in your lives.

Rev. David