It’s true that God has a plan… a plan not only for Israel, the church, humanity, and the world, but also a plan for YOU. Proverbs 19:21 says, “You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” I can tell you this… God’s purpose for you and me is for our good. And while He has specific unique plans set in motion for each of us, there is a universal plan for all of us. It’s a place where we all need to be, a place He is forever drawing us to. What is that place? It’s the place of SURRENDER.
In fact, God will use whatever means, and whatever methods, to bring us to this place. He used 7 years of loss (losing everything including his mind) to bring Nebuchadnezzar to a place of surrender. He brought three days of living inside the belly of a fish to bring Jonah to this place. He allowed Saul (aka Paul) three days of blindness to bring him to surrender. He brought tons of hardships to bring David to surrender. And a prophet eating wild honey and locusts to bring the people of Israel to surrender.
The place of surrender came for me when I was 16 on a high school winter retreat. I had no purpose, not future goals. I wasn’t interested in much, except to have fun. I was living in rebellion. But one night changed everything when a pastor was brought in to speak to us. I thought he was weird and boring, so I tuned him out. But he said one thing that pierced my heart… one thing the Lord let me hear. That night, I surrendered my life, my will, my future, to Him. And I have never looked back. It was the best decision I ever made.
Our key verse today speaks about surrender. So the question becomes… why is this place so important? Why is God drawing each of us here? Because without surrender, we fight against His work, His will for our lives. Surrender changes everything for us. Surrender is what awakens our hearts to the gospel, opens our ears to hear His voice, gives us understanding, puts a craving in us for more of Him, and it’s where our desires become His desires. Surrender is the first step of obedience to truly fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. It’s in the place of surrender where we can know peace, joy, and contentment.
God may be drawing you to this place because you have not fully surrendered to Him. Trust me, He will keep drawing you until you get there. I think it’s always a good thing to ask… Have I really surrendered or am I still trying to control everything? If there is any place you need to be today is the place of surrender. Let these words encourage you.