Tag: surrender

September 17, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Master’s Touch

Opening Verse

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

Introduction

Paper on its own may seem ordinary and insignificant. But in the hands of a child, it becomes a soaring paper airplane. In the hands of an artist, it can be transformed into a beautiful masterpiece. What makes the difference? It’s not the paper itself but the one who shapes it. Likewise, we may feel ordinary, but when placed in the hands of Jesus, our lives can be transformed in unimaginable ways.

Devotional Story

Imagine someone handing you a plain piece of paper. You might not think much of it at first—it’s just paper. But give that same piece of paper to a creative mind, and it can be folded into an intricate origami shape or painted into a stunning portrait. It is still the same paper, but now it serves a higher purpose because of what was done with it.

We are like that paper. Without Christ, we may feel ordinary, unsure of our purpose. But once we place our lives in His hands, He shapes us into something beautiful. Just like an artist or an engineer sees potential in a simple sheet of paper, Jesus sees potential in each of us. He can take what seems small or insignificant and turn it into something that glorifies God.

What This Means

Jesus doesn’t need us to be perfect or extraordinary when we come to Him. He just needs us to be willing to be shaped by His hands. The same way a paper airplane can take flight or a blank canvas can become a masterpiece, our lives can soar and become beautiful when we surrender them to Christ. He sees the potential that we might not see in ourselves.

Think About This

Have you ever felt like you’re just “paper,” unsure of your purpose or value? Remember that Jesus is the Master who can transform you. All you need to do is trust Him and allow Him to guide your steps. Just as a simple piece of paper can be turned into something amazing, so can your life when Jesus is the one holding it.

Prayer

Lord, I know that without You, I am like a plain sheet of paper. I ask that You take my life into Your hands and transform me into who You want me to be. Help me trust You as You shape and mold me for Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.”
— Isaiah 64:8 (KJV)

July 21, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Sometimes You Just Have to Leave Things as They Are

Opening Verse

 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” – Isaiah 55:8 (KJV)

 

Introduction

Life often presents us with situations that challenge our understanding and control. We may find ourselves struggling to change circumstances that are beyond our power. In such moments, it is crucial to recognize that sometimes, we must simply leave things as they are, trusting in God’s greater plan.

 

Devotional Story

A farmer once faced a severe drought that threatened to ruin his crops. Despite his best efforts to irrigate the land and protect his plants, the heat persisted, and the rain did not come. One day, his neighbor, seeing his distress, said, “You have done all you can. Now, it’s in God’s hands.”

 

At first, the farmer was frustrated by this advice. He was not accustomed to giving up. But as he reflected on his neighbor’s words, he realized that he had reached the limits of his human ability. He prayed for rain, but more importantly, he prayed for peace in accepting the situation. Eventually, the rain came, but even before it did, the farmer found solace in surrendering to God’s will.

 

What This Means

This story illustrates the importance of recognizing our limitations and trusting in God’s wisdom. There are times when our efforts will not change the outcome, and it is in these moments that our faith and trust in God must be strongest. God sees the bigger picture and has plans far beyond our understanding.

 

Think About This

Are there areas in your life where you are struggling to maintain control? Reflect on these areas and consider if it is time to surrender them to God. Trust that His plans are for your good, even when you cannot see the immediate benefits.

 

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Help me to recognize when I have done all that I can. Grant me the wisdom to know when to let go and trust in Your perfect plan. Give me peace in my heart and the assurance that You are in control. Amen.

 

Closing Verse

 

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

March 12, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Hand in the Glove

Opening Verse

“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” – 1 Corinthians 12:18 (KJV)

Introduction

The analogy of a glove and a hand is a simple yet profound way to understand our relationship with God. Just as a glove is designed to cover and be moved by a hand, we, as individuals, are designed to be filled and led by God’s spirit.

Devotional Story

Imagine a glove lying on a table. By itself, it’s just a piece of fabric, incapable of doing anything. But when a hand slips into the glove, suddenly it can grasp, move, and accomplish tasks. The glove, though it seems to move on its own, is actually being directed by the hand within it.

This is much like our relationship with God. On our own, we might feel as lifeless and incapable as an empty glove. However, when we allow God to enter our lives, we become filled with His spirit, and through us, He can do great things. We become vessels through which His love, healing, and wisdom can flow to others.

What This Means

Being a vessel for God means that we acknowledge our own limitations and surrender ourselves to His will. It means believing that, though we are imperfect, God can use us to fulfill His perfect plans. Like a glove that is flexible and yields to the movements of the hand, we too must be willing to be led by God, allowing Him to guide our actions and decisions.

Think About This

Reflect on the areas of your life where you may be resisting God’s guidance, acting more like a glove left on the table rather than one filled with purpose and direction. What changes can you make to become a more willing vessel for God’s work?

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to remember that I am like a glove, designed to be filled and moved by You. Grant me the humility to surrender to Your will and the courage to follow Your lead. May I be a vessel for Your love and grace, reaching out to touch the lives of others in Your name. Amen.

Closing Verse

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13 (KJV)