“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Luke 22:42 NIV
Three weeks ago my “just a couple years shy of 90” grandmother had to give up roller-skating! She had a nasty fall that resulted in an Emergency room visit so she’s decided it’s time to hang up her skates. This may seem trivial to some, but my gram has been skating for almost two decades with the same group of friends, 1-2 a week. Harder yet was her decision to SURRENDER her drivers’ license about a year ago. My heart aches for gram as she gracefully accepts her new limitations in order to keep herself safe.
For the past five years there has been a real work of God in my life to keep my life in a “state of SURRENDER” to all that God has for me. A yielding of my will to His. I’m doing my best to face each situation with grace, just like my gram. Aiming to willingly SURRENDER whatever God requires of me without Him having to take it away. It’s often a painful process that I wouldn’t go through if I didn’t know there was a benefit to the SURRENDER. I know that my choice to relinquish my stuff, my dreams, my life, my heart to Him will bring a greater reward in the end.
I’m so comforted when I read the verse above. To know that SURRENDER was even hard for Jesus makes me feel better. Hebrews 12:2 says, “who for the joy set before him endured the cross”. Jesus’ SURRENDER was so much greater than mine could ever be, but knowing that he understands my struggle in the SURRENDER somehow makes it easier. Like Gram, Jesus relinquished his rights without anyone having to take them from Him. May we follow their lead!
Prayer
Father…Please give me the courage to release to You whatever may be holding me back from becoming who you want me to be and accomplishing all you desire for me to do. May I have Your eyes to see the “joy set before me” and willingly surrender my all to You! In Jesus Name…Amen!
