We all surrender eventually, but we struggle to surrender all. I gave a talk to a group of beautiful women this past weekend. As I made my way to nearly every woman in attendance, I noticed a common theme. When I introduced myself as Michelle, the response was the same at every exchange — “Oh, our speaker?” For the first time in my life, I was at peace with no one knowing who I was. I can only imagine what they were thinking as this woman in a t-shirt and bright yellow pants worked the room and claimed to be their speaker. What I was thinking was “Look at God!” Wanting to be known or remembered was a worldly mindset that I didn’t realize I had already surrendered. As God revealed that to me moments before I spoke, I included it in my talk — not as a testimony, but as a testament to God’s promise of renewing our minds if we fully submit to him everything we’ve been withholding. I also think that we make assumptions based on customs — like appropriate attire to wear for a speaking engagement. I definitely was out of character in that regard according to the world.
What stood out to me the most that day was how we worship. There were ladies from four different churches in attendance, and it was evident that we weren’t sure what the customs for worship were. Because of that, nearly everyone sat and sang softly. The exception to that custom was three women who stood, sang, and surrendered their praise and worship to our Father without fear of any kind. That’s freedom.
Everything in creation surrenders. Haikuist Pat R. shares evidence of this here. So, what are you withholding from God? Is it your praise or something else? What’s in that fifth pocket of your five-pocket jeans? Until you relinquish that thing that serves as a wall between you, the closeness you desire will move further and further away. Go to your anchor verse, and dig deep. Use the S.O.A.P. Study method for close reading scripture to discern your next steps. Share your discoveries in the comments. Feel free to just upload a picture of your SOAPed scripture. May blessings abound. <3
Click here to continue to Day 8 – Unfinished.
S- Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your path straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
O – All your heart means 100%, which means there is 0% room for worry or fear. He’s got this. We don’t have to understand – when we lean on OUR understanding, we keep God small and in a box. Submit to Him. He has a plan which is better than any plan you could design.
A – I need to let go of control that I cling to and let God take the wheel. It’s okay if I don’t understand everything. It’s not my job to understand or to worry about other people’s understanding. It’s only my job to share and God will take care of the rest. Trusting God with ALL my heart, means just that. There is NO room for worry.
P – Dear Lord, Please help me to trust you with 100% of my heart – leaving 0% of room in my heart for worry and fear. I surrender wanting to understand and control and I give you the reigns. Use me Lord – for Your glory. Show me what you need from me and make me brave. Help me to remember that You’ve got this! In the name of Jesus Christ – Amen
Powerful! What resonated with me is that you translated the word “whole” into a number — 100%. For some reason, seeing the number made this verse come to life for me.I can see the fraction of one’s heart that’s polluted by worry and the part that’s committed to trusting God. This is cool.
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often.
I can’t do this today. I had totally frustrating computer problems earlier, and the link to SOAP would not connect just now. I’m going to crawl into God’s lap and ask him to comfort me and soothe my spirit. “Come to me all ye who labor and are heavy laden.”
I’m sorry about your computer problems, Anne. Enjoy your time with Abba Father.
S. Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
O. I see several things: growth mindset, hearing God’s voice as a result of abandoning worldly behaviors, rebirth
A. I already see the transformation, and God is continuing his work as I dig to find other worldly behaviors buried in my heart that I haven’t surrendered yet.
P. Father, thank you for the gentle way you remind me to take out the garbage that’s defiling my temple. My love for you grows daily as I leave behind the old me and embrace the new. My future is bright, and I covet your eyes to see a little more. Amen.
S.O.A.P (a verse that I have recently begun to focus on in my life)
S – John 5:17 – My Father is always at work ,to this very day and I too am working.
O- I observed that the Lord is once again reminding us that no matter what he is always working on our behalf – never leaving or forsaking us; no matter what we may think or feel.
A – I have encountered several events in my life in the last year or so that have caused me to wonder if Father has forgotten about me. ( I am being honest and transparent – so please forgive me) These events have been my stronghold though because they allow me to just rest in then spirit as I grow weary but not faint enough to know that even in the midst of it all – FATHER is still working on my behalf and holding me in his loving arms.
P – Heavenly Father,
Allow me to meditate on your word when my heart becomes heavy and my soul becomes weary. Help me to know that I have a sovereign Father who is working things out on my behalf and whose arms I can run to , both day and night. In your name I pray.
Amen!
Amen, Tiff! No matter what we go through, we are never alone, and God is still good no matter what.
A nice write, thanks for the mention😊