THE CHOSEN - THE PRICE OF SURRENDER

Luke 9:23 (NKJV) “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Surrendering to God: The Price and the Privilege

Surrendering to God is often seen as a sign of resignation or defeat, but let me assure you, it’s far from that. Through my faith journey, I’ve come to realize that surrendering is actually a profound act of strength—a powerful declaration of trust in God's perfect plans. It’s in that letting go that I’ve found not only freedom but also a deeply rewarding spiritual connection.

Defining Surrender within the Christian Context

When I think about surrender within the Christian context, it brings to mind images of open hands, not clenched fists. Surrender isn’t about giving up; it’s a powerful invitation to lean into God’s power, love, and guidance. Reflecting on Luke 9:23, where Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily, I see that the heart of surrender is found in a commitment—an acknowledgment that His ways are higher and greater than my own.

Years ago, after becoming a believer, the idea of surrendering my desires seemed overwhelming. I often asked myself, “How can I possibly let go of what I want?” But as I spent more time studying the word of God, I began to realize that ‘dying to self’ isn’t about suppressing our hopes or dreams. Instead, it creates space for something new and powerful. It frees us to embrace the transformation God promises, which is at the heart of the Christian faith: true life emerges from surrender.

The Transformational Power of Letting Go

The idea of letting go can often feel overwhelming, almost counterintuitive, yet there’s something incredibly liberating about it. I’m constantly reminded of moments in my life where letting go has brought me to the threshold of unexpected blessings. One moment stands out clearly: during a particularly stressful time filled with doubts about my career path, I felt compelled to hand my anxieties over to God. It was amazing to see how, by relinquishing control, I opened my heart to clarity and direction.

Someone once said, “In surrender, we find our strength; in letting go, we hold on to God’s promises,” and I wholeheartedly resonate with that. Surrender unlocks the door to deeper understanding, allowing God to provide insights and revelations I might have resisted otherwise. It’s like I had blinders on, thinking I had to navigate my path alone. But when I opened my heart to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, a wave of peace washed over me, confirming that what I let go of was just a stepping stone toward what was truly meant for me..

Benefits of a Surrendered Life

Surrendering is not just a one-time act—it’s an ongoing decision that must be made daily with intention. Each day presents fresh opportunities to surrender, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your choices while affirming your faith. The rewards of living a surrendered life are numerous, enriching your spiritual journey with purpose and fulfillment.

Peace: The initial anxiety that grips your heart when faced with decisions gradually dissolves into serene confidence as you surrender. I’ve learned that God's peace transcends all understanding. Philippians 4:7 reminds us that when we present our requests to God, His peace will guard our hearts and minds.

Purpose: Recognizing that your life serves a higher purpose is key. When you align your goals with God’s will, clarity emerges. Your actions shift from being self-serving to serving others and glorifying God's kingdom.

Direction: Life’s complexities are not easy to navigate, but with each act of surrender, you will feel a gentle nudge in the direction God has intended for you. Decisions that once seemed clouded by confusion become clearer as you trust His guidance, as Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages.

However, embracing this lifestyle doesn’t always come naturally, we may still encounter moments of reluctance. A childhood memory comes rushing back—one where I stubbornly hung on to an expectation of perfection in my academics. Feeling the pressure to achieve, I wrestled with surrendering that desire to be the best. It was a rocky path, but through much prayer and reflection, I eventually recognized that my worth was not rooted in grades but in God’s eyes, which led to a profound sense of freedom.

"To surrender is to trust God with your future." - Unknown

The Biblical Basis for Surrender

The foundation for this journey is deeply rooted in the scriptures. Luke 9:23 serves as a cornerstone, calling us to a life of discipleship—denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily. What a powerful image of surrender that is! It means choosing to serve something greater than ourselves. Each day, we must intentionally deny our own desires and prefer God’s will, just as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“Not my will, but Yours be done!” This must be our declaration of surrender in both prayer and action. Jesus set the example for all of us in the Garden of Gethsemane. When I pray these words, I often feel a renewed strength and a gentle urging to press forward, trusting that His plans for me are good.

Over the years many have shared their testimony with me how the faith declaration of “Not my will, but Yours be done!”, has freed them from the unforgiveness, and pains of the past, and enabled them to follow God’s plan for their lives.

Surrender: The Price and the Privilege

As you begin this spiritual journey, it’s important to recognize that surrender comes with a cost. It requires a daily decision to set aside your ego and pride. Your desires often demand attention, insisting on being fulfilled in your own way and time. That’s part of being human, right? But when you choose to resist those urges, you step into a space of vulnerability and openness—qualities that allow you to experience the depth of a relationship with God.

The privilege of being a believer is something to hold dear. John 3:16 reminds you of the sacrificial love God has for His children. Your identity as a child of the King reshapes how you face challenges and uncertainties. It gives you the strength to stand firm in trials, knowing you have access to divine help.

When it comes to spiritual gifts, your surrender to God qualifies you for His service. Just this past Sunday, we experienced a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit as we worshiped and surrendered to be used by Him. An activation of spiritual gifts is about to be released in the Body of Christ, and Faith Clinic Church is poised to be part of this mighty move of God. Glory to God!

I believe that on Sunday, God opened your heart to receive a fresh anointing, igniting a passion within you that you hadn’t previously recognized. It is important that you remember: surrendering allows the Holy Spirit to work through you, giving you the power to serve others—miracles and healing are possible outcomes when you yield to His guidance.

As I have emphasized to you over the last several months your life is meant to be “a vessel of God.” As you continue to prioritize God’s will over your own, you become a channel for His love and encouragement in the lives of others. Each surrendered moment allows you to reflect His presence in a world that desperately seeks meaning and truth.

Embracing the Journey of Surrender

As you continue your faith journey, remember that surrender is not a single act but a way of living. With each step, invite God into every part of your life—your choices, relationships, and even your health. You'll find strength in knowing you're not alone; God is with you, guiding you as you open your heart and seek a deeper, more fulfilling life. This balance between spiritual and physical well-being creates a harmonious relationship that honors God.

Surrender is a gift that brings peace during life's uncertainties. It helps you see your challenges and victories with grace and gratitude. As you keep learning about surrender, look forward to stepping back and letting God work through your life. Embrace the journey—it may lead to blessings beyond what you can imagine.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Journey

The journey of faith can often feel like a winding road filled with numerous unexpected turns. Through my own journey, one of the most profound influences has been the Holy Spirit. Understanding the Holy Spirit's interaction with us, inviting His presence into our lives, and experiencing His transformative power is crucial to navigating our spiritual path.

As a believer, you’ve likely felt the inexplicable guiding force of the Holy Spirit, comforting your heart during tumultuous times. The feeling of truly being accompanied is astounding; knowing you are never alone, even in your darkest hours. The Holy Spirit stands with you—in moments of doubt, grief, uncertainty, and especially in times of joy. It’s astonishing how you’re encouraged to lean on Him for guidance. John 14:26 reminds you, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” This verse resonates, reminding you that you are equipped with wisdom that transcends human understanding.

One of the most impactful moments in my life was when I genuinely invited the Holy Spirit to take control of my journey. I remember sitting in a quiet space, grappling with decisions that felt overwhelming. That day, as I surrendered my will, I received a sense of peace that enveloped me—it was as if a weight had been lifted. It wasn’t merely a fleeting thought but rather a profound presence that felt tangible. In retrospect, I understand it was the Holy Spirit assuring me that I was on the right track.

The Gifting By the Holy Spirit

Some have shared that they have a better understanding of and appreciation for the Holy Spirit. They understand that He is more than just a comforter and guide; He is an activator of gifts within us. I believe that on Sunday, the Holy Spirit was actively seeding spiritual gifts among individuals, preparing us for the coming Spiritual Outbreak.

Following Jesus, The Surrendered Life, The Coming Rewards

In each of us, there's a natural desire to seek connection and purpose. Following Jesus and living a surrendered life will lead you to God’s purpose for you. It also brings you to an understanding of your royal identity in Christ. Think about it: knowing that you are a child of God and an heir to His kingdom redefines your relationship with God and your perception of self-worth. Especially when you realize that even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist, affirming your unconditional value in God’s eyes.

At the end of this series, I’ll be discussing “The Rewards of Serving.” Here’s a little preview: most believers have no idea of the incredible rewards waiting for them for faithfully serving, or what they may miss out on by failing to serve. As Scripture says: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Be Blessed,
Pastor Lee A. Simpson
Faith Clinic C. Church, Sr. Pastor

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