Each One Reach OneEsimerkki

A Prayer of Surrender

Here’s how that prayer became a reality in my life: First, I realized my prayer was actually a prayer of surrender. I chose to submit my life totally to Christ. I traded my desires for His.

Gradually, He began to teach me how to love Him more deeply.

Second, after I rededicated my life to Jesus in this way, an interesting phenomenon began to take place. It became easier to love other people. I became more keenly aware that God’s presence was living in me through the Holy Spirit. His light began to shine with more intensity in my life. His power gave me more boldness. His words became a part of my conversations. His love was changing me, and I wanted to impact my world more than ever.

Third, I realized the choice was mine. I could be satisfied with my life and say, “I’m happy with the way things are. Evangelism is not my job. Besides, sharing the gospel is awkward. Leave that to pastors, Bible study teachers, and other ministry professionals.… Me? I can never seem to find the right words. Let someone else do it.” I did not want that to be my story, and I did not want that omission on my spiritual record.

Reaching this conclusion drove me to action. I chose to recognize the biblical reality that people the Lord allowed me to influence could actually have their names written in the Book of Life if I told them about Jesus.

I concluded that though I don’t have all the answers and I’m not a theologian, I wouldn’t let that stop me from sharing what I already know to be true right now. A particular evangelism formula might escape my memory, but I can easily tell others how Jesus changed my life. I may not be a persuasive apologist, but I can love others to Jesus with a heart of kindness, care, and compassion. First Peter 3:15 became my heart’s desire: “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”

Lord, I surrender to You. I trade my desires for Yours. Help me to love You and others more deeply. Help me to see opportunities to share my hope with others and know how to explain it. Amen.