Something Better

Welcome to Real Life. I was teaching on the topic of surrender and needed a strong example. Abraham came to mind.

Abraham Series | Part 1 | Genesis 11:26-12:5

God asked Abraham to surrender something huge—his only son Isaac—and offer him as a living sacrifice. Amazingly, he did it. But, before we talk about Abraham, let’s talk about surrender.

My spiritual journey began with an act of surrender: I gave my life to Christ. However, it doesn't stop there. Surrender is a continual discipline for a believer.
Full devotion (to God) is a state of our hearts when our understanding of truth
is equal to our level of surrender.
–Mindy Caliguire[1]
God won’t force me to surrender. I decide. I live with the consequences. Though, when God does ask me to give up something, he has a reason. While preparing to teach, I kept asking the Lord if there was anything I needed to surrender. I sensed him saying, “Peggi, you have the wrong focus. You fear what I might ask you to give up. When I ask you to surrender something, it’s because I want to replace it with something better. Focus on the better thing I have for you.”

Abraham’s spiritual journey also begins with an act of surrender. Abram (later renamed Abraham by God) is living in Ur. God calls him to, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” God doesn't name or describe the new land. (Often, I fear surrender because I can’t imagine what's on the other side.) He basically tells Abram, “Step out and trust me. I have something better for you.”

Though God doesn't describe the place, he does describe the better things he has for Abram: blessings, founding a great nation, and fame.[2] Those are some strong incentives. However, first Abram must give up his country, his people, and his home. Abram’s forefathers worshiped false gods.[3] Rather than bowing before the moon or idols of wood and stone, Abram would know the living and true God. Now, that’s something better. That’s Real Life.

Abram begins well. He surrenders his future to God.

Take it further:
  • Every day is a new opportunity to surrender your future to God. Do you believe God has something better for you? 
I'm trading my sorrows
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying them down
For the joy of the Lord
I'm trading my sickness
I'm trading my pain
I'm laying them down
For the joy of the Lord


Excerpts of “Trading My Sorrows” by Darrell Evans
Next week: Don’t Be Afraid, Abram

[1] Quote from Discovering Soul Care by Mindy Caliguire
[2] Genesis 12:2-3
[3] Joshua 24:2

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