SEARCHLIGHT
Have you completely surrendered your life to God?
SCRIPTURE
The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai. “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because it’s wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the Lord… Jonah 1:1-3a NIV
SPOTLIGHT
Judson Van DeVenter wrote the hymn “I Surrender All”. Before composing this powerful hymn of commitment, he experienced a tremendous struggle. This talented man was an art teacher and musician who felt God calling him to full time ministry. He loved his artistic giftings and could not understand how he could fulfill them while being a minister. As he “wrestled” with God in prayer, there came a point that he described as “the pivotal hour of my life.” As one author stated, “I Surrender All” became a personal declaration of surrender for Van DeVenter and has since resonated with countless individuals seeking to dedicate their lives to God.”
Have you experienced the pivotal hour of your life? It happens when you “wrestle” with God about things God would like you to do. You are a believer who loves God. Probably you are helping people by serving in your church or community. But here is the big question. Will you do anything God asks you to do?
Jonah, the prophet, was just like Judson Van DeVenter. Look at today’s Scripture focus. God called him to warn the city of Nineveh about the judgment they faced for their sins. Nineveh was the capital of Assyria which was a very wicked, brutal immoral nation. The Jewish people hated the Assyrians and considered them a great threat to their well-being. Jonah wrestled with God about God’s desire to warn the Ninevites about the pending judgment. The prophet could not understand why God would give them an opportunity to repent of their sin. He certainly did not want to help the Ninevites receive God’s mercy. Here is the question. Will you do anything God asks you to do?
There are 3 common “wrestling matches” that Christians have with God. Believers do not want to sense that God is asking them to (1) forgive, (2) love their enemies, and (3) do something that makes them feel uncomfortable.
Believers, just like Jonah, have long arguments with God over what is the best thing to do. They say they want to do God’s will but sometimes not right now. Often, they ignore or forget that God’s ways are higher and wiser. He knows the beginning and the end. [Isaiah 55:8,9]
The Bible is very clear about forgiving anyone who has hurt you. Someone inflicts emotional or physical pain on you. You are wounded and you say to yourself, “There is no way I can forgive that person.” Then you remember that Jesus Christ said, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” [Matthew 6:14,15 NIV] God calls all believers to forgive all hurt all the time. Leave vengeance to God. [see Romans 12:19]
The Bible is very clear about not just loving your neighbor but loving your enemy. In your life, there is a person who thrives on making your life miserable. Your opposition is out to destroy you, and you say to yourself, “There is no way I am going to help or pray for that person.” Then you remember that Jesus Christ said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous…” [Matthew 5:43-48 NIV] God calls all believers to love all their enemies all the time. Love those persecuting you by even praying for them.
The Bible is very clear about obeying whatever God directs you to do. There comes a moment in time when you sense God wanting you to do something that is a way out of your comfort zone. God’s purposes for your life create fear but God says I will equip you and be with you. Just like Queen Esther, you wrestle with God but finally say, “If I perish, I perish. I believe God knows best!” You remember that Jesus Christ said, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” [John 14:23 NIV] God calls all believers to follow His direction and do His will all the time. God knows you best and knows what’s best for you. [see 1 Peter 3:17]
Here is something you will never regret. You will never lose by surrendering your life 100 percent to God. Total surrender leads to unbelievable blessing. The Bible promises that “…it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” [Philippians 2:13 NIV]
SOMETHING TO DO
Take time to have a pivotal moment in your relationship with God. Pray and ponder about the 3 ways you can resist God. Do you need to forgive someone? Are you showing God’s mercy to your enemy? Will you do anything God directs you to do? Ask God to reveal to you how you might totally surrender your life to Him.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Lord God, as the Psalmist prayed, so I will pray. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. I choose to surrender my life to You, Lord Jesus Christ. [Psalm 139:23]