“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:17
In the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, we witness the ultimate act of surrender and trust in God’s plan. Though faced with immense suffering and abandonment, Jesus willingly submitted himself to the will of his Father. At Gethsemane, he prayed, My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will but as you will (Matthew 26:39). This display of surrender teaches us that even in our darkest moments, when our desires clash with God’s purpose, we must learn to yield control and trust that His plan is greater than our own.
James 4 warns against arrogance and self-reliance by reminding us that you do not know what tomorrow will bring… Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’ (James 4:14-15). These verses speak directly to our human tendency to strive for control over every aspect of life. We are called instead to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and submit ourselves fully to Him.
Psalm 39:5 says, “You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly, each man at his best exists as but a breath.”
Think about a ship out at sea. The ocean represents life with its unpredictable waves and storms. As humans aboard this vessel, we often find ourselves desperately trying to steer the ship in the desired direction – wanting smooth sailing with no obstacles along the way. However, true surrender requires handing over that steering wheel entirely into God’s capable hands. He alone knows what lies ahead on this vast ocean; only He can guide us through treacherous waters toward a safe harbor.
As author E.M. Bounds once said, God shapes exactly what happens according to His pleasure. When we release our grip on controlling every outcome in life and fully trust God, we open ourselves up to His divine guidance. By surrendering control and aligning our desires with His plan, amazing things can unfold that we could never have orchestrated on our own. Amen. Psalm 143:10 says, “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” Amen.
Prayer for the Day.
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You with a humble heart, seeking Your guidance and strength in all I do. Today, I offer my prayer, asking for Your divine intervention to ensure that my actions bring glory and honor to Your name. I surrender completely to Your will, trusting You have a purpose for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
