Have you ever noticed how we human beings think that the world revolves around us? We act like the river will not flow without us, or the sun will not rise if we are not up to encourage it. We exalt our own ambitions and other human beings to an illustrious position in our life, which actually belongs only to God. God has mercy on us, however, and saves us by His grace in spite of our self-centeredness (Ephesians 2:8). Then He requires that we transfer the control of our life to Him and to live a life pleasing to Him and worthy of His calling.
It is hard for us to allow
anyone to have control over our life. In human thinking, the idea of surrender
is for quitters, not overcomers (Revelation 2:7,17,26; 3:21). However, the Kingdom of God is full of paradoxes. We
die to live (Philippians 3:7-8);
we gain freedom through serving (Romans 6:18); we gains strength through our weakness (2 Corinthians
12:10); we give to receive (Acts
20:35); we humble our self to be exalted
(James 4:10). However, we do not
give to get or act humbly to gain recognition. We simply take up our cross and
daily die to our selfish, carnal nature (Luke 9:23).
God is the Creator of heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1, 14:19; Colossians 1:16; 2 Kings 19:15; Isaiah 45:18; Proverbs 30:4). He holds in His hands the course of the rivers, as well as the heart of kings and presidents (Proverbs 21:1). He causes the earth to revolve on its axis at just the right angle, so we will see the sun rise and set every day without burning to a crisp or freezing in an instant (Matthew 5:45; Job 26:7).
He is also the Master
Potter. He fashions us into vessels that will do the works, which He planned
for us before we were ever born (Isaiah 29:16, 45:9; Ephesians
2:10). We are the clay being molded by
His loving Potter’s hands (Isaiah 64:8)
into the likeness of His Son (Romans 8:29).
God does not leave us on our own, but provides everything we need to live Godly
in Christ Jesus (Titus 1:1).
It takes faith and trust to
walk in obedience to God’s will each moment of the day. However, living our life for Him
is not an option, but a command (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are no longer slaves of sin, but bondservants of
the Most High God (Romans 6:22). We
look forward to living with Him for eternity (1 John 2:17). May we daily grow in the knowledge of God. May we always please Him in every way by living fruitful
lives full of good works, which are inspired by the Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians
2:12).
Prayer:
Lord
Jesus, there is no one greater than You are and nothing we can desire either in
heaven or on earth that is any better than You (Psalm 73:25). You created us to serve a purpose for Your kingdom
now in this lifetime. You equipped us with everything we need to function in
this capacity. As we trust You with our whole heart and serve You at home, at
work, at church and in our community with every ounce of energy and every moment
of our time, we bring glory and honor to Your name (1 Samuel
12:24; Colossians 3:23; Matthew 22:36-40).
Thought
for the Day:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” - Colossians 3:23
