TOTAL SURRENDER: Do We Grasp Its True Meaning?

 

        i.           TOTAL (adjective) –

a.       constituting or comprising the whole; entire; whole: the total expenditure;

b.      of or pertaining to the whole of something: the total effect of a play;

c.       complete in extent or degree; absolute; unqualified; utter: a total failure;

d.      involving all aspects, elements, participants, resources, etc.; unqualified; all-out…

      ii.            SURRENDER (noun) -

a.       the act or an instance of SURRENDERING

(verb)

b.      to yield (something) to the possession or power of another; deliver up possession of on demand or under duress: to surrender the fort to the enemy;

c.       to give (oneself) up to some influence, course, emotion, etc.;

d.      to give up, abandon, or relinquish…

I saw it fit to define these words in order to proceed further. An implied (very strongly, might I add) prerequisite of becoming, and being a Christian is surrender. Just like being a citizen of a specific country (e.g. Saint Lucia) you are officially an ambassador or diplomat of that country- even when not on local soil, are also obligated to abide by the laws of the said territory, so too does the same apply to Christiandom.

**CHRISTIAN [derivative of CHRIST] i.e. representing (by choice) Christ in every aspect of living, irrespective of location whether physical, emotional etcetera

I have heard and had experiences with individuals who are self-professed Christians- but often times I am left to wonder whether they even understand the real meaning of the word or the gravity of this confession. Don’t get me wrong- as Christians we all have struggles that we need to overcome and imperfections that need to be worked on. But how much we are trying to be Christ-like? (Or) Are we using our imperfect nature as an excuse to ‘escape’ fault acknowledgements? I do not know. Perform an introspective and make the analysis- to each his own.

This point of digression redirects me to this titled blog. You see, habitually in song we happen across the word and sing it for “singing’s sake”, but have you ever believed it for living’s sake? In my devotionals, I constantly plead with God to have his way in my life; to let His will be done. Arrest me; that if I am ever out of line, He will pull me back in line. And the criteria for His will: TOTAL SURRENDER. I understood that it meant a complete abandonment of personal goals and doing things His way. But did I fully comprehend the journey it would entail? To an extent: Yes. But to an even greater extent: No. And it is in this journey that my faith and understanding has (been), and continues to (be) tested, built and grow(s). 

Let me get a bit technical- when I first accepted salvation, my perception of Christianity was ‘chopped and screwed’. I thought that I could continue living like a Calendar Christian (you know- church on Sunday and Monday through to Saturday- “world” living). After all that was what I pretty much grew up around- that was all I knew. So off gallivanting I went, but God wanted:

a.       to alter my perception entirely

b.      to reveal to me, the BIGGER PICTURE painted with a GREATER PURPOSE

c.       me to know Him and love Him for Him

d.      a RELATIONSHIP with me

e.       TOTAL SURRENDER on my part

But… was I ready for all of this? No! I certainly didn’t think that I was, but God wanted me to be ready. (There is definitely something about that moment when your head hits the water in baptism. God honors that and will do any and everything to get you to serve Him.)I even attempted dead-end relationships and- of course- that did not work. Tried pursuing my education route of choice and that too didn’t work. I tried it all, but it just DID NOT WORK. All I got was hurt, pain, tears, frustration, anger- all non-spiritual fruit- but NO INNER JOY.

 

Until THAT day; that rude awakening; where I had to realize that He wanted to be in control and I had to give Him the HONOR of CONTROL (TOTAL SURRENDER). I had to relinquish my pride and allow Him to humble me. I don’t think it is pertinent that I continue as to the course my life took from that “decision moment” but I will. Things began falling in line:

i.                    I was called to be a leader ( in ministry) in more than one place, that I never know possible;

ii.                  I became a leader in fields relative to my profession (that I never entirely envisioned) which ultimately permitted me to:

a.       Travel to countries I never that I never thought I would go to, under these circumstances;

b.      Travel in the name of ministry

iii.                I’ve been blessed persons whom have been and continue to play a vital role in in my Christian growth;

iv.                I have endured deliverance periods thereby permitting me to enter into the high level/ ground that God has called me to;

v.                  Talents and giftings began (and continue) to surface.

And the list goes on…

Enter into the next phase of my life where I graduated college and now await the next breakthrough. I have allowed Christ to take the lead, center, every circumference and area of my life. Part of that surrender entails PATIENCE, which I admit is tasking at times to that point where I wanted to become like Jacob and wrestle with God for my blessing. But he keeps me in check, imploring that I wait- patiently. So I let go and constantly have to remember how He always comes through for me and quite honestly, I’d rather have things go His way. After all, He is a Just-In-Time God and I am delighted; honored to serve, love, know and be with Him.

So until that day of your breakthrough dear brother/ sister, rest perfectly in His will. The best is yet to come!

 Cheers to Kingdom living!

Today’s Inspiration Song- I Don’t Mind Waiting by Juanita Bynum