ICS Daily Devotions
Surrendering to God’s Plan
Mat 11:28-30 Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.
A life of entire surrender to Jesus is the secret of perfect rest. We used to live life independent of God. Now that we are saved, we seek to walk with God and surrender our entire life to Him. Giving up one’s whole life to Him, for Him alone to rule and order it, taking up His yoke and submitting to be led and taught. To learn of Him, abiding in Him, to be and do only what He wills. These are the conditions of discipleship without which there can be no thought of maintaining the rest that was
bestowed on first coming to Christ.
Gal 6:7-8 Do not be deceived. God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sow in the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Should we decide to live independent of God’s will, we need to be prepared to reap the consequences that come with our decision. In times of crisis, there will be no peace, joy and faith to stand on God’s work. At times we may feel as if God is not blessing our plans, but the actual fact is that He might not have asked us to do it!
The moment we are yoked with Christ, we are walking in His will as we fully surrender to His plan and purposes for our lives. His mighty love will hold us fast to keep and bless us. There is an ease and grace to live out the will of God in our lives. The burden to carry out His will be light because His grace will be sufficient for us in our weaknesses.
To know His will, how does God then speak to us?
We are blessed to be living in the time of the New Testament when we are born again. We can pray to the Heavenly Father in Jesus’ name, we have the Spirit of God living inside us, we have the Word of God to lead and guide us.
2 Tim 3:16 All scriptures is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
First, present the choice that you need to make to God but do not have any preconceived ideas or answers. Lay down our rights to God. Then pray and ask God to speak to you primarily through His Word. Ask God for a book, chapter and verse regarding the decision/plan. These words will be very helpful for you in times of challenges after making the decision to proceed and help you to anchor your faith in His Rhema Word.
John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come. He will guide you into all truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you all things to come.
Furthermore, be sensitive to the leading and witness of the Holy Spirit. Peace or uneasiness in our heart will be witness in our spirit regarding the decision over and above the word of assurance from the Scripture given by the Lord to proceed.
2 Prov 15:22 Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.
In addition, seek godly counsel and share with them what you think God is leading you. Then take a step of faith if God has spoken to go ahead with the plan. It is the peace of God, the great calm that is found in God, the peace that surpasses all understanding that would guard his or her heart and mind in Christ Jesus. With God’s grace secured, as we are yoked with Him, we have courage for every struggle and strength for every duty.
Sermon Series: Prayer of Consecration
