• Dec. 29, 2006
Surrender
As I reflect upon 2006, I believe the overriding theme is SURRENDER. No, it’s not because I’m some kind of noble example when it comes to surrender. It’s not because it comes easily for me. It’s because God, in His graciousness, gave me a better picture of surrender this year. Despite my initial insistence upon my own way, He loved me enough to continue piercing my heart with the truth of His words.
I can’t help but recognize how these past months have been uniquely used of Him to refine and purify my heart. As I reflect on this year’s events, I can see how God used these months to bring me to the end of myself. Oh, how I wrestled with Him, telling Him what I wanted Him to do. I told Him what I wanted to do for Him...and then I expected Him to bless it. I clung to my will all the while asking for Him to show me His.
But I learned something, albeit slowly. As long as I’m clinging to my will, He can’t show me His. It’s only when we release the grip we have on our wills...when we surrender ourselves and our lives to Him...that He will reveal His all-wise, loving, and perfect plan.
I distinctly remember the afternoon when He brought me to the end of myself. As I sat alone in the presence of God, I remember sprawling out across my desk with my hands open and outstretched. They were no longer clenched. Through the tears that freely flowed, I finally told God that I was willing to embrace His plan. In humility, I confessed my sin in demanding my own way, and I gladly accepted His plan. Such joy and freedom flooded my soul as I relinquished any rights to my life and gave my loving heavenly Father full access to my heart. It was at this time that the words of Clay Crosse’s song, "I Surrender All" began echoing in my ears and heart:
I surrender all my silent hopes and dreams
Though the cost to follow costs me everything
I surrender all my human soul desires
If sacrifice requires that all my kingdoms fall
I surrender all.
Oh, this was a process that my heart had to go through...a series of purification and refinement. I’m so thankful for the pain and the lessons of those months. I’m thankful that God reminded me that He’s always working for my good and His glory. There’s no better place to be than in the center of God’s will.
As we're about to close the book on 2006, my heart is so overwhelmed. It's been an incredible year...not because things were always carefree and easy; not because there were no trials. It's been incredible because through the highs and the lows, the mountaintops and the valleys, God has been faithful. He's brought new growth and taught me even more about who He is.
May He continue to give each one of us a hunger and a desire to know Him and love Him; to be a vibrant reflection of Him in our families and our communities; to trust His heart even when we don't understand His purposes.
Happy New Year, Everybody. I join you in anticipating all that God holds in store for each of us in the new year!
Comments
• Dec. 29, 2006
Untitled Comment
Posted by gal51
What a great post! You're words are edifying and encourage me to reflect back over the year and see what word would describe it for me. Hmmm ... not sure on that one yet as it has been quite a ride for me spiritually.
You bless me greatly!
Blessings to you and your precious family and Happy New Year!!
~Heather
• Dec. 29, 2006
Untitled Comment
Posted by SeekingJESUSnTeachingKIDS
Wow that was such an encouraging and right on entry. It is so amazing to look back and see God's hand in it all. I so often struggle with the same thing and over and over again have to surrender. Thanks for the honest blog that testifies to real life and God's fatihfulness.
Happy New Year! We'll see what this one holds for His Glory... I am excited to see
:>Michelle
• Dec. 30, 2006
Wow!
Posted by CandaceC
What a wonderful and encouraging post. You have inspired me to reflect on my 2006 as well...and what is funny is that a lot of what you wrote could have been describing my year as well. I'm tempted to just copy and paste your words onto my blog, just kidding! But, the reflection is good...and I hope to post soon about my past year. Thanks for the encouragement and reminder to reflect on God's goodness.
• Dec. 31, 2006
Beautiful post
Posted by Starlady
Thank you for sharing from your heart dear friend. You have, as usual, given me much to ponder.
Happy New Year to you and your precious family.
• Jan. 1, 2007
Three times...
Posted by 4evrHischild
Being in the center of God's will is definitely the place to be. I spoke this to my eldest son earlier in the month when he was discussing plans for the future. I heard it again yesterday, albeit in a different sense. The missionary speaker at our church yesterday talked about the danger he lives with everyday in the Congo but expressed his heart when he said that the safest place to be is deep in the center of God's will. Now I'm reading it again on your blog. I wonder if God is trying to show me something? Anyway, I plan to add you to my friends list so I can check back on your blog often. Thanks for this post.
• Jan. 2, 2007
Thanks Nikki
Posted by momofgirls
What a thought provoking post. I know the refinement process can be quite painful. I am so glad that you have found joy in embracing God's will. Praying 2007 will be full of joy for you and your dear family!
