Surrender

Today’s reading:  1 Corinthians 7

In my Bible, the heading for 1 Corinthians 7 is ‘Principles for Marriage’. While the majority of the text talks about marriage in some way, I don’t think the main point of the chapter applies only to marriage.  Look at the section titled ‘Live as You are Called’, beginning in verse 17 –

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him (1 Corinthians 7:17).

As our creator, God knows what is best for us and has a plan for our lives. He designed everything to work together for good and to bring glory to him.  This is why his word outlines principles for key parts of our lives like marriage, jobs, kids, and so much more.  (Food for thought – with a divorce rate over 50% and a job satisfaction rate under 50%, I don’t think we can claim our plan is working better than God’s).

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

God’s plans do not promise happiness, but they do promise hope and purpose. The wisest choice I could ever make is to trust God and rely on his plans.  I am not that smart.  To think I could ever come up with a plan that is better than the omniscient, perfect creator of the universe is just foolish.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

I know I used this verse in my last post, and I will probably use it in a few more before the year is over, but I love it. It is so humbling, and it illustrates the superiority of God’s ways so beautifully.

Here is the rub… If I know God has my best interest in mind, and if I know that his plan is better than my plan, what is the problem? Why is it so hard to follow his ways?  As much as I hate it, I know the problem is me.  I get in the way of God’s perfect plan.  In his book, The Purpose Drive Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?, Rick Warren says it well –

You cannot fulfill God’s purposes for your life while focusing on your own plans.”

Will you get on your knees with me today and ask God for help surrendering to him and his ways? I know I can’t get there on my own, but I don’t want to miss out on the great things God has designed for my life.