Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”
I’m so thankful you joined me here as we kick off our study! I trust God has good things in store as we study the Scriptures and dig into His Word! A few basics before we begin… friends, God’s Word is powerful – Hebrews tells us it is living and active while 2 Timothy points out it is useful and equips. The truths and topics you’re about to study can change you from the inside out, so dig deep and keep pressing on.
A few things about the study – ideally you will do a section a day, but if you fall behind it is possible to catch up! In the back of the book there are some extra resources, so please check them out. I especially want to make sure my fellow moms see the “Traveling Tips” so that you can share what you are learning with the children you are raising.
Finally, think about this – “What do you hear every time you enter a café?” That’s right… conversation! We’re not all going to gather around a table, but we are united in Christ and can connect in the comments. I encourage you to take some time and share your thoughts and respond to others. God is a personal God and has a unique lesson for each of us… it's beneficial when we share with one another. If you have questions that you’d like to remain private, you can email me at jillberan@yahoo.com.
So now onto our topic! Surrender isn’t the most enjoyable thing to think about, but it’s vital as we walk in faith. Just recently God has been opening my eyes to something I need to surrender. I’ve been a sports fan all my life and I hate to admit it, but before coming to Christ basketball was my god. Thankfully, God drew me to Himself and I made Christ number one in my life.
Over 20 years have passed since I worshiped a game, but Satan continues to prowl. This past year I was tempted to devote too much time to sports. My children are now athletes, I re-entered the world of coaching and I still cheer for the Cyclones. Athletics can be a good thing, but when they become the main thing we are in trouble. As I struggled with keeping this all in balance, God took me back to surrender.
I had to give up my desire to know all the stats and behind the scenes info of my favorite team. I had to let go of the need to find one more new drill for my team. Basically, I had to surrender what was good for what was not only best, but what was godly. Chances are you will face that same decision today. It may not have anything to do with sports, but you will be tempted to put something or someone before God.
Friend, that is why our topic for the week is of vital importance. Surrender is something we need to do daily, so the more we understand; the better able we are to apply. Psalm 32:8 offers hope with these words from our Father – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” God will teach us through our study and equip us for the walk He’s called us to, so let’s begin!
(Reminder: Leave your thoughts in the comments!)
Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you now. You are our great God and good Father. You are our shepherd and teacher. Draw us into your Word and use it to renew our minds. Help us better understand surrender and humble our hearts so we are willing to die to self. We thank you for the promise that you will instruct us and teach us the way we should go. Be with us as our study begins. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
