Friday, October 25, 2024
In Barb Roose’s book Stronger Than Stress, she clarifies the difference between surrendering and submitting. “Surrendering is letting go of your way or your will, whereas submitting is saying yes to the gentle leading of God” (page 148).
You must surrender first and then submit to God’s plan for your life.
The act of submitting to God and following his lead allows for disappointing circumstances to lead to a fulfilled life. We see this lived out by the disciples, who left jail rejoicing after being imprisoned and flogged.
Acts 5:41
The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.
This takes practice. Today, use one of Barb’s prayer prompts (Stronger Than Stress, page 153) below to invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you begin practicing submission.
Prayer:
- God, examine my heart and open my eyes to any area in my life where I am afraid or unwilling to wholly trust you.
- God, is there a step of obedience that I haven’t taken that you’ve been waiting on me to take?
- God, is there a habit or pattern of behavior that is unhealthy for me physically that I need to submit to you?
- God, I give you permission to lead me today. I want to follow your plan and purpose for my life today.
Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
John 16:33
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
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This post was written by Kelly Pagel, the Director of the LivingItOut.