When we surrender our lives before God, meaning when we give all the parts of our lives to Him to direct and guide, fear no longer has a hold on us. Fear cannot be eliminated, but it can have its place. It can be what alerts us to get back on the path of giving all of ourselves to God. The world would have us believe that we can control our lives. Unfortunately, control can drive more fear, as it puts undue pressure on our lives. We are not omniscient to the happenings of this world. Things can change in an instant. We need God’s correction. We need Him to guide our lives if we hope to understand and do His will. His way not only fulfills His purpose, but it enriches us and gives us peace. When we refuse His way fear and pride are left to consume us whole. They then become the directors of our lives. Which would you rather have directing you, fear of the world or the peace and joy of God? Set your plans with Him today and never waste another moment.
Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps. Discipline me, Lord, but only in due measure—not in your anger, or you will reduce me to nothing.
Jeremiah 10:23-24 NIV
Even the Son could not do anything apart from the Father. This perfectly explains why our dependence on God is so important. Jesus is our only worldly example to emulate. When we walk as He walked our lives can be molded for the purposes God has placed us here for. Jesus knew the power of surrender. He knew that power comes from the Father. We must fortify our trust in this knowledge, instead of letting the world tell us how we should carry forward. The world would have us fear missing out on what it is doing. Rather we should fear what our life looks like without surrendering to God daily.
Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
John 5:19 NIV
Considerations for your planner:
- Where do you feel the most fear? Write it down. This may be what you need to surrender to God.
- Do you feel dependent on God? Write down what dependence means to you.
A Story of Dependence:
I was under great stress because my mother was dying from COPD among other things. The hospital wanted me to "Pull the Plug", but I just could not say yes. As I was going into the hospital that evening walking across the field to the hospital, I begged Jesus to help me because I could not do it myself. I just could not choose.
I said that I would follow Him as best I could and that I was a despicable sinner who had no right to ask Him for anything, but if he took this burden from me I would do my best to follow Him. As I came through the doors a nurse approached me and said "I am from hospice and I want to talk to you." The respirator was taking 33 breaths for her 10.
Long story short, I agreed to sign the DNR. As they were pulling the plug, I broke down crying hysterically and asked Jesus to give me a sign that I was not killing my mother. She lived a full week before she left. I was there when she died at 12:27AM that night and I was able to say "Goodbye", guilt free. THANK YOU JESUS!
- Sharon Rice
Strengthen the Christian Planner Family by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear a story about God's work in your life. Use the form linked below to submit your story.
