Humility: An FCA Devotional For CompetitorsSýnishorn

Fully Known, Wholly Surrendered

Ready: “Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp.”  – Psalm 131:1

Set: For heralded Texas Christian University pitcher Mitchell Traver, the roller-coaster ride of success and setback could have been devastating if not for his faith in God and humble wisdom in allowing Him to lead.

Traver came to TCU as the 37th-ranked freshman in his class, and while selected in each of the 2012, 2015 and 2016 MLB Drafts, he’s stuck it out through share of setbacks, most notably missing bits and bulks of seasons with back issues, and recovery from Tommy John surgery. Traver held to God’s promise that He would never leave or forsake him, choosing to trust in the truth that through trial, God indeed reveals Himself in refreshing ways.

“Through every disappointment, injury, trial and challenge, the Lord has helped me know Him more,” Traver said.

He could have floated through school on his star status, but Traver’s contentment as God’s son allows his Father center stage. In turn, his heart rests in freedom to experience the personal and intimate love of God, who knows us fully, yet loves us wholly.

It’s in this same shedding of self and standing before God with bare soul where God scoops us into His arms and assures us that He will use every hour of our days for His glory. Like Traver, we too will see God’s wonder when we lay down our life and give Him the go-ahead of our steps. God wastes nothing from our challenges and brings grace beyond measure when we see own status diminish and His gain ground.    – Dave Pond with Sarah Rennicke

Go:

1. In what ways have the trials you’ve faced brought you closer to God?
2. How can you take small steps today to give God the go-ahead for your tomorrow?
3. What most comforts you about being fully known by God and wholly surrendered to Him?

 Overtime: You continue to show me Your goodness, even when I do not deserve it. Your mercies are new and You take my trials and teach me more about Yourself. I long to lift You up and make Your name known through the way I live my life and how I care for others. Because I am fully known by You, may I become wholly surrendered to Your ways. Amen.

This text appeared in FCA Magazine. To learn more about the magazine and to subscribe, click here.