The Strength Found in Surrender

By Pastor Steve Pierce

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 5: 3, ESV)

This seems like a simple statement, doesn’t it? When you find yourself in trouble, in pain, poor in spirit, you have a promise to look forward to. Something better. That’s kind of the way most Christians would read this verse. But I want you to read it a little differently this time. Instead of seeing poor in spirit as the troubled negative aspect of this verse, something to be avoided, read it as the inevitable place you will revisit time after time during your life. We try so hard not to find ourselves in bad situations, in difficult circumstances. But what if that is where God is waiting for us? We see weakness as failure. God sees it as an opportunity to connect with us. We try so hard to keep everything in our lives under our control. How’s that going?

Jesus says in John 16:33 that we should expect tribulation while in this world. Tribulation is a big word for oppression, affliction, distress, pressure. Conditions we all know well and would prefer to avoid. No matter what we do, on our own, we are guaranteed seasons of problems in our lifetime. It’s a certainty.

I am convinced that there is a piece of all of us that wants to remain in control, wants to win, needs to be in charge. It started with Adam and Eve. We are hardheaded or hopeful as we try so hard to go through life avoiding pain. I’m not saying we should seek pain. But instead of always running away from something, maybe we need to be running toward something.

Let’s go back to John 16:33 and read the whole verse. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

If the Lord says that something is inevitable, then you can take that to the bank. Trouble is coming. And if the Lord gives you a way to find peace, you can take that to the bank. Peace is coming. You have a choice to make. Do you try to keep as much control as you can, or do you admit you have no control and  instead seek the Lord.

The Bible is filled with stories of people who tried to be in control. Jonah though he knew better than God. Judas thought he knew better than Jesus. Adam and Eve thought they knew better than God. Life is filled with lessons that repeatedly teach us that only God is God. We are molded clay.

When you find yourself in trouble, seek God first. Your best strategy begins with Author of Life.

·       “Wait on the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage, wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14, ESV)  Slow down and talk to God.

·       “Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubles, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27, ESV)  Slow down and talk to God and let Him lead you.

·       “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)  God is promising to be there with you.

·       “But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” (Matt 6:33, ESV) Open your eyes and see God’s glory.

Step one is to seek the Lord, Jesus Christ.  Have faith in the Risen Son of God. Step two is to slow down and talk to Him.