Absolute Surrender

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 7, 2017

By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice… Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.   Hebrews 11:17, 19

Absolute surrender is a prerequisite for the disciple of Jesus Christ. Like Abraham, we have to lay on the altar of death anything or anyone that is precious and valuable. I struggle with absolute surrender because it means giving over everything to God. I give my spouse, my children, my career, my education, my health and my finances. Once I offer them to Him, by faith, they become to me what they already are to Him, His.

Absolute surrender is a test of obedience that even the stoutest of heart have a hard time with. You can be a believer for a long period of time and the Lord still reminds you what’s His. Have you left your home in the Lord’s hands? His will may be for you to sell it and enjoy a simpler lifestyle. Have you given over your business or ministry to God’s care? It may need to close down so Christ can raise up a new enterprise full of energy and vision.

“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son” (Genesis 22:12).

Emotion causes our insides to churn when we absolutely surrender something we love and we are proud to have created. But it is out of our anguish that Almighty God takes us places that only trust in Him can provide an entry. His current command may seem to contradict a past command. Even so, you still let go and let God have it. Don’t hang on so long that the Lord removes it from you anyway. Present to Him a living sacrifice full of faith and obedience. Whatever happens, He can bring it back to life even better.

What relationship or vision do I need to leave at the Lord’s altar? Am I willing to walk away and trust God will give me just what I need? Obedience is full of pleasant surprises so do not be afraid to go to that uncertain and uncomfortable place.

“He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, ‘It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned’ (Hebrews 11:17-18).”

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