“One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime.” Jim Elliot, https://elisabethelliot.org/tribute-to-elisabeth/

Each time I preach, I offer to pray with people who want to surrender their lives to Christ. A part of my prayer always includes, “as much as I know how, I give my life to you.” Giving your life to Christ does not mean that you understand it all. It simply means you begin to follow Christ. New life begins the moment you trust in Christ. You will also discover that there is so much more to learn and to grow in your walk with Christ. It is a matter of daily surrender to the wonder of God’s love and will for you.

Mary surrendered in wonder to the Word of the Lord. She didn’t understand it all. “Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” (Luke 1:38, NLT) This teenage girl courageously surrendered to God’s will for her life, despite not knowing what life would be like from that moment on. In the beautiful story of that first Christmas, not one time do we hear her complain; rather, she surrenders daily until 33 years later when Jesus would lay down his life for all of us.

I read the book recently, “In Their Own Words.” (Highly recommend.) John Bunyan, author of the Pilgrim’s Progress, struggled with his faith for almost two years before trusting Christ and not his good works.

There are those like the Ethiopian in Acts, Chapter 8 who immediately comprehended and surrendered their lives to Christ.

My point is as you daily surrender, you will understand more and begin to comprehend the greatness of this glorious salvation that Jesus came to give the world. It’s not an instant download, but a personal relationship with the Lord who is personally committed to you. It’s a lifetime of wonder and joyful surrender.

Peace!