In my previous write-up, I talked about how God was dealing with me in the areas of trusting His hand and Humility. It dawned on me (yet again) that I have a lot more to work on in my life in order for God to use me like I desire. Surrender and yielding to His will is what is it.
God used the first speakers at Convention 2010 at Cathedral Bible College like my good friend Dr. Ray Cornett to convict me even more in another area...dying to self and yielding my life to God's will and way. How can we possibly think that we are ready to be used of God when we have so much flesh operating in our lives?. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that God has called me to ministry just like He has called millions of others the world over but this area is one of my biggest battles, which I know is the case in other people's lives.I have on numerous occassions found myself telling God what to do and have not let Him work in my life like He should. We ourselves stand in the way of God. We actually block His hand from free movement by our life styles, disobedience and rebelious ways.
My very good friends Pastors Eartha and Chris Edwards who have blessed me so much with thier ministry came to the convention. Pastor Eartha ministered and she said that "the only way one can know how refined silver or gold is is when they can see a reflection of themselves in the shine". She went on to ask the question: Can God see the reflection of Himself in our lives? Meaning have we reached that place in our lives where we have died to self and are ready for God to use us? If God can see Himself in us, that means we have been transformed to be like Him which also means that the people around us can see Him in us. How true this is!
On the night before He was crucified, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. The thought of what would take place in the next 24 hours caused Jesus to be deeply troubled; "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" (Mark 14:34).Being fully God, Jesus knew exactly what was about to take place and exactly why it had to occur. But being fully Man, the foreknowledge of the rejection, physical pain, and spiritual separation from the Father was nearly unbearable. Mark 14:36 "'Abba, Father,' He said, 'everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.'"
Jesus cried out and asked for the plan to be changed; and yet, His greater desire was for the Father's will to be done. Earlier in His ministry, Jesus taught us this same principle; "This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven'" (Matthew 6:9-10). Even with an absolute understanding of what He must endure, Jesus' sole desire was to glorify the Father by walking the path placed before Him; "I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do" (John 17:4).
This is the example we ought to follow all through our life; we should present ourselves to the Father, fully prepared to serve, and be completely emptied of our own desires. When we have allowed Him to be the only possessor of our heart, He will fill us with His Spirit and accomplish His perfect will through our life. When our life is ordered and directed only by His will, we will receive blessings from above which bring far greater joy than the fulfillment of ANY flesh-directed desire.
This is one of the mysterious "secrets" of the Christian walk. We were created to be in fellowship with God - to glorify Him and enjoy His presence for all eternity. We may spend a lifetime chasing what we believe will bring us a sense of fulfillment, but we will never be truly content until we rest in His arms and submit to His ways.
What cup have we been given to drink; what seemingly unbearable burden have we been given to carry? Have we been asking, even demanding, that the burdens be taken from us, or are we yielding to the Father's will and being determined to glorify Him in all we do? Let's come to His table ready and willing to serve; but let's also come with complete submission to His perfect plan. Only in this can we fulfill the purpose for which we were created.
If you feel that the Holy Spirit is convicting you in this area like He has done with me, here is a simple prayer that we both can pray: Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, I give my life fully into Your hands; let it unfold, not by my plans, goals or desires, but according to Your will.Amen!
THIS IS OUR GOD!!
Have a blessed day!
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