If I can testify… while listening to a recent podcast, I found myself reflecting on the depths of me. These are the parts of us that only you and Jesus are aware of. It reminded me of the anger I harbored during my upbringing because I couldn’t always have things my way. I would often find myself in conflict with God, wrestling over my numerous desires. I thought that if I would cry long and hard enough, He would change His mind. I would pray and tell God that I wanted this or that, but His response would be either no, wait, or not yet. If I’m being honest, I wasn’t content with my life or happy with God because I insisted on living life on my own terms. For years, I engaged in a battle with God, trying to assert and interject my desires into His divine will. However, as time went on, God was patient with me. He drew me with His kindness as Romans 2:4 says. God revealed His love for me through His Word. He had to demonstrate that He knew what was best for me. Eventually, I reached a point where I surrendered. I was waving my white surrender flag in shame and defeat. Therefore, my encouragement for you is “Stop Fighting”.
Surrendering is a term used in warfare, where you relinquish your own rights in order to fulfill God’s divine plan. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus offers us comfort and relief, by saying, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” So, take your rest my dear sister; take your rest in Jesus my dear brother.
Our world, including our minds, is a battleground. God has a plan for our lives just like any army has a plan before they go into battle. Matthew 8:34 reminds us, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” So, yes “Stop Fighting”, stop striving, and stop trying to make things happen. In order to become followers of Christ, both you and I must relinquish our own ways and desires, our thoughts, our past, our heart, our mind, and yes this means EVERYTHING to Jesus! When we do our part, we will experience Philippians chapter 4 verses 6 and 7 that says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Yes! The only way that you and I will experience true peace is through Jesus. Peace, peace, and more peace is what you really need!