What does it look like to surrender our wills to Jesus?
John the Baptist was a different sort of fellow. Dressed in a garment fashioned of camel’s hair with a steady diet of locust and wild honey, he seemed an unlikely candidate for a forerunner of Jesus. And yet, Christ claimed “among those born of women there is no one greater than John.” (Luke 7:28)
People came in droves to be baptized by John in the Jordan River. Among them Jesus. Though some may have gone out of curiosity, John’s message of hope and renewal kept them coming back. But regardless of his popularity, he never ceased to point his followers to the coming Savior.
JOHN’S RESPONSE TO JESUS
When Jesus began His ministry, many of John’s followers abandoned him to follow Jesus. Some of John’s loyal followers took offense at Jesus’ growing ministry.
John’s response?
“A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:27-30)
His followers may have been surprised by his answer, but John knew all along his time of ministry was limited. He was called only to pave the way for the Christ. When the time came, he humbly stepped aside to give Jesus the limelight. Maybe that’s what we need more of today–stepping away from our agendas and giving Jesus more control.
GIVING OURSELVES TO CHRIST
Such dedication may take a lifetime to achieve, but each day, we should strive to give ourselves over more fully to Christ.
For Christ to increase, I must decrease, which means more of Him, less of me in my…
Relationships
Attitudes
Decisions
Finances
Speech
Workplace
Ambitions
Time
It’s a constant battle to submit our will to Him, but when we do, our lives become so much richer and fuller than if we insist on our own way.
What area of your life do you need to surrender more fully to Jesus?
GIVEAWAY
If you haven’t yet entered my January Giveaway there’s still time! I’m giving away a print copy of Book 3 in my Prairie Sky Series, 2020 Selah Award winner, Under Moonlit Skies! Just click the button below to learn more!
Inspirational Series
Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance
UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE
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Beautifully said Cynthia!
Thanks, Laurie! I hope you were blessed by it.