One night at training camp, our leaders emphasized the need to SURRENDER our lives to God.
They added a few details about what that might mean while on the World Race.
I surrender
my right to
privacy
sleep eight hours a night
wear my own clean clothes
eat a variety of foods that I like
a toilet and a sink
good health
romantic relationships
I surrender
my right to
be safe
be respected
be heard
do whatever I want whenever I want
do whatever I want whenever I want
regular and reliable access to computers and the internet
fairness
complain
dignity
I surrender
my right to
decide what’s next
know what’s next
know all the words to the songs we sing
do ministry MY way
The leaders weren’t trying to threaten us with this list —
just make us aware of the potential difficulties of living in community
with 50 other people, in foreign cultures, in rustic conditions, and of serving full-time.
I think they were actually trying to INSPIRE us!
Well, I’m not sure I’m entirely ready to surrender all these things.
Actually, I am sure that I am not ready!
I have grown up with such a strong sense of entitlement.
But I want to do it.
I will do it. Well, I commit to trying to surrender each day,
because I know the IMPACT that will have in my own life, and
the IMPACT it will have in the kingdom.
Even if I wasn’t going on the World Race, I would choose this attitude.
Going without showers will not be too much of a stretch for me,
but I do like to know what’s going on and to do things MY way.
God is going to stretch me in unexpected ways,
and I am scared but eager to grow.
The biggest thing God is urging me to give up is
my image of the perfect Christian.
my image of the perfect Christian.
Where did this image even come from?!
I … make rules for myself,
compare myself to others
feel jealous
or condescending
feel shame
or pride
And I end up trying to give out of emptiness.
Instead, I want to receive God’s acceptance and be filled with God’s love,
to do the task he assigns me to do.
I want the heart of God!
I want to replace my “image” with CHRIST himself!
Everything else is worthless
when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.
– Philippians 3:8 NLT
— What are you still trying to hang on to?!
Everything else is worthless
when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.
– Philippians 3:8 NLT
— What are you still trying to hang on to?!
Give it up for Jesus!
(Can I get a “Whoo-whoo!”)
Give it up for God’s grace!
Give it up for God’s glory!
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