iShineInMinistry

John 11:13-15 (CEV)

Surrender your heart to God,

turn to him in prayer,

And give up your sins –

even those you do in secret.

Then you won’t be ashamed;

you will be confident and fearless.

I love reading about the women of the Bible that had completely surrendered lives. Lately, I have been completely entranced by the lives of Ruth, Esther and Mary. Each lady demonstrates what godly character should look like on an everyday basis and they are fully devoted to their Lord, not what others may think of their actions and callings. They serve faithfully, walk the path that God has placed for them and seek Him with their whole heart as they do His will.

Ruth left all that was known and familiar to her to follow the path the Lord had in mind. She did not stay in a place of comfort or ease, but went on the journey that God gave to her so that she could be a godly example to us ladies. In her we see a surrendered life, filled with devotion and loyalty to God and family.

Esther took on a calling and surrendered her actual life to be used for the glory of God. Not only did she marry some guy that she did not actually fall in love with, but she also saved her people and went before the king (her husband mind you) to save them, knowing that her life was on the line. She simply said, “If I perish, I perish.” Could you live a life that surrendered to God, trusting and obeying when you had no idea what the outcome would be? We obviously know that she survived, but Esther did not know that as she walked the path God placed before her. What a life of faith and obedience!

Finally, Mary is obviously surrendered to God, calling herself a handmaiden of the Lord; she was willing to take her outward reputation being slandered and tarnished for the ultimate glory of the Lord as she gave birth to our Savior. Could you surrender to the point where people would judge and think ill of you, even if you knew that your calling was of the Lord? Would you risk your outward façade of being a “good girl” to do the will of the Father?

I encourage you to read each of these accounts in the bible (Ruth, Esther and Luke 1) and really ask yourself if you would fully surrender to Godand let Him take hold of your life. Ask Him if you are truly willing relinquish your rights and allow Him to let your life unfold before your eyes for His will and good purpose. He will search your heart and show you the truth; however, if you know the answer is “no” (and it is for most of us), pray throughout the week about how you can surrender certain areas of your life to Jesus and let Him move mightily on your behalf. You may be surprised where He takes you and how your life shines (or sparkles) for the Lord!

Listen to this song (one of my favorite versions) and ask God what you need to surrender to Him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsKw0c7mPhQ