All to Jesus

Surrender... what a new reality this word has had for me in the past year. It's hard, let me tell you. It's taking what I know from my physical senses and giving it to the God I know from experience and His word. It's taking what I hold dearly - relationships, comfort, familiarity, my perceived purpose - and entrusting it all to the God who blessed me with those things in the first place. It's recognizing that my life is not my own. It is for His glory, honor, and praise alone!

When I first started praying about Japan, I was at a high point in life. I was content. I didn't see any reason to want to move from where I was planted. I had (still do) some really sweet relationships in my life. I lived in the comfort of my quiet hometown. I had been teaching at the same school for three years. I felt purposeful. Why would God want to change that?

Last June, I heard a powerful quote that has stuck with me: "God calls us in the midst of obedience to Him." How I have pondered these words... I definitely do not always do well at being obedient (a little strong-willed and independent, maybe?), but as I have chewed on those words over the past year, I have come to realize that it's not at all about what we think we are doing for God. He simply wants a surrendered heart that desires to serve Him. How am I doing in that?

My prayer is that He will give me grace to surrender everything to Him every day. It's a choice to trust Him. It's not easy. I fail often. Praise God His mercy is more! My challenge is to pray with open hands...

All to Jesus, I surrender! All to Him I freely give!