21 Days of Prayer & Fastingنمونہ

The Art of Surrender

Though challenging, moving into a new season brims with exciting moments: meeting new people (sorry, introverts!), exploring new possibilities, and forming fresh connections. When relocating to the Central Coast in 2010, I filled journals with scriptures etched into my heart by the Holy Spirit. One of those was Isaiah 42.

Despite the difficulty of releasing the past, God making 'all things new' was certainly alive and well in my spirit, beckoning me to surrender preconceived notions and embrace the new.

Ever feel like your capacity is being enlarged at such a pace you can almost hear it? That season stretched my capacity, propelling me into unfamiliar territories and pushing me to the brink of uncertainty. Embracing the role of a pastor means deeply connecting with people—being present in hospitals, accompanying them through their courageous battles against cancer, witnessing their faith flourish, empowering fellow friends and leaders as they impact lives for Christ, sharing both tears and laughter and returning to the foundational elements with our worship and creative teams. This journey has been a joyful adventure.

Throughout this journey, I've continually had to relearn the art of surrender. My prayers echo this daily practice: "Please, Lord, help me to surrender my ways, my learned behaviours, or my pre-conceived ideas. Oh, that I would not get in the way of YOUR plans and purposes." Surrender is no casual choice but a gateway to true freedom. God's promises never falter; they remain steadfast, infusing us with limitless love and confidence in His plans.

I have found that my heart leans into surrender easily when I am in God's word, prayer, stillness, and in this place where I hear God clearly speak. God's voice resonates in the stillness, illuminating the recesses of my heart and guiding me through life's complexities. His words bring hope and renewal, a constant stream of encouragement.

Let today's prayer start and end with surrender; "Lord, we surrender our hearts and lives to You. May our steps be ordered by You, and help us to love like You do so that we may be more like You in every place our feet tread." In Jesus' name, Amen.