True SpiritualitySample

Giving God What He Wants

Romans 12 begins with a call to surrender—a radical call to live not for ourselves but for God alone. And to be honest, it’s a huge hurdle in our relationship with Him. 

After accepting Christ, I experienced an epic struggle in coming to a place of surrender. I assumed that giving my life to Him would mean giving up things I hoped for. 

I wanted to be married. I feared God would make me stay single or marry someone I didn’t like. I thought He’d tell me to quit playing basketball and go be a missionary. I assumed His will would be “good” but not enjoyable. 

My battle raged until one night when I was driving home from dinner with friends. They seemed to have everything I wanted—a good marriage, a joyful home, hearts for God—and I was struggling.

Then God brought this verse to mind: 

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

You see, God wants total control of our lives but He knows our hearts. He wants to fulfill them. 

His will toward us is good. And to prove it, He already gave us the extravagant gift of His Son. 

I now often describe our calling to be a living sacrifice not as “surrender” but as “total commitment.” Here’s why:

·  Surrender focuses on what we’re giving up. It sounds like all cost and no benefit. 

·  Total commitment is a reevaluation of what’s important. We realize who God is, what He has done for us, and what He is calling us to.

Are you willing to give up a futile life for one that is rewarding forever? Make a total commitment to Christ. Offer yourself as a living sacrifice to Him. You’ll be rewarded with a life of joy and true spirituality.