Our God Reignsনমুনা

Trusting God in prayer must inevitably lead to surrendering to God in action.

Surrender is not simply a one-time decision or a momentary choice. Instead, surrender has long-term implications in our daily lives. Jesus recognized this when He said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

When we look at the current American president or the current political leader of your country, who do we see? Is it someone worthy of denying our ambitions, our goals, our desires, and even ourselves? For most of us, it certainly seems extreme to transform our lives completely for any person. Let alone, for one who doesn’t know us, doesn’t identify with us, and will likely be out of our lives within a few years. 

Historically, there have been rulers of every kind. Humanity has seen the likes of David, Josiah, and Hezekiah, who all served God and surrendered to Him and His Lordship (1 Samuel 13:14; 2 Kings 18:5-7, 22:2). Although their hearts desired to serve God, they were not without faults and shortcomings. Humanity has also seen rulers like Ahab, Manasseh, and Menahem. These kings did not serve God and were known for horrible evil throughout their reigns (2 Kings 15:16, 21:3). 

In our own lifetime, we have seen rulers that we perceive as good, and those we perceive as bad, or even evil. The question we must ask ourselves is, “Has anything changed about God from one earthly ruler to the next? Has His character changed in any way? Are His promises any different now than they were thousands of years ago?” We must answer with a resounding, “No!” God is still on His throne and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Psalm 47:8; Hebrews 13:8). 

God desires for us to see Him as our ruler and ultimate authority. We often choose our own path out of pride. God often allows this to show us that everything we strive to do is futile in our own efforts (1 Samuel 8:6-7). God wants us to align our mind, body, soul, and strength to His Spirit so that in total surrender to Him we can live our lives under His guidance and direction. 

When we surrender to Him daily, we are putting others before ourselves. Communication with God on a personal level allows us to live our lives in acts of holiness, obedience, and servanthood. 

What areas need to be surrendered to God today? Think of three times in the past week when you have intentionally surrendered to God. How will you decide in the moment to surrender to God?

Commit yourself today and every day moving forward to surrendering to God as your ruler. When you do, no matter who sits atop the earthly throne and no matter what decision is made there, you will be able to experience God’s joy and peace in any situation (Philippians 4:7).