Sunday Rewind 10.05.08

What does it mean to put God first in your life…to be completely surrendered? What does it look like to love God more than anything else? A couple months ago, I shared with you the story of Abraham and Isaac. I’d like to return to that story (Genesis 22:1-19), because in it, we see modeled for us some elements that are part of being completely surrendered to God.

• Face God’s demand. God doesn’t want part, or even most of us. He wants all of us. So, at times, He will give us instructions that reveal whether or not we'll cut and run. Complete surrender requires facing God’s demand.
• Think through the sacrifice. There will be times when God gives you instructions and you are going to wonder how you could possibly do that. It’s ok to think about what God is asking you to do. Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, engaged in deep thought. Complete surrender includes counting the cost. But it also means obedience, even when you can’t figure everything out.
• Know where your trust lies. Abraham had absolute trust in God. Where does your trust lie? For must Americans, it’s their bank account. It one reason why tithing is the exception in the US, rather than the rule. Complete surrender requires trust being placed solely in God.
• Follow through with the sacrifice. When God calls you to sacrifice, the call is not to be willing to see it through, but to actually follow through on it. Complete surrender requires following through with the sacrifice.
• Experience God’s acceptance and provision. The joy of sacrifice is knowing that God will accept it and will provide all we need to carry it out. You will never know what it means for God to completely provide until you completely surrender everything.

So, let me ask a question. Are you completely surrendered to God. Will you love him, no matter what? Or are there some pre-conditions you’re holding onto?