-Romans 6:13 (NLT)

The measure of true worship depends on how much are we willing to surrender.

To surrender is to yield or give up one’s self into the power of another. It is hardly accepted by people. It is tantamount to losing such as in battle, in a game or surrendering to an opponent. It is also associated to a captured criminal yielding to the authorities.

No one wants to be a loser. Nobody would like to yield to his opponent.

We were taught not to quit, never give up, and never give in – so the word “surrender” is unpopular. Every one wants to win while surrendering is absurd. Even today, not everyone even among “Christian nations” discover the truth that only in surrendering, we can experience worship. The true measure of surrender is obedience. Surrendered people are those who obey God even if it does not make sense.

Abraham was commanded to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Peter, after having a failed night of fishing, was commanded to let down the nets. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego chose to worship God even with the mind set that even if God would not save them from the fiery furnace, they still chose God as their God.

Mary broke the alabaster jar and poured the perfume at Jesus’ feet. It was a very expensive perfume which could have been sold for a high price as suggested by one of Jesus’ disciples. But she chose to offer it to God.

Paul and Silas, after being severely beaten, offered a sacrifice of praise to God (acts 16:25). Jonah, after being in the belly of the big fish for three days, offered a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God (Jonah 2:9). They didn’t feel like praising God, but were willing to sacrifice. They offered the sacrifice of praise in difficult situations.

True worship is giving not receiving. Oftentimes, we want to receive. But it is hurting for many to give. True worship pleases God. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Many Christians only want Jesus to be their Savior, not their Lord. They professed Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but their lives do not manifest that He is their Lord. When we completely surrender ourselves to Jesus, we discover that he is not an oppressor but a saviour. He is not a dictator, but a friend.

“Lord, help me to understand the value of surrender. My life is not my own. I consecrate my life to you. I give my life as a pleasing sacrifice. “

- Genesis 50:20

Joseph had experienced so much pain. At a young age, he was sold into slavery by his own brothers. At the time that he was working diligently in the Pothipar’s house, Pothipar’s wife allured him. Because Joseph was God-fearing, he ran away from her. It turned out that Pothipar’s wife sent wrong report to Pothipar that led Joseph to prison.

Even in prison, Joseph never let go of his faith. He never questioned God of the unfavorable things that had happened to him. He surrendered his fate to God. Soon after, he was put in-charge to govern Egypt. Time came that there was a worse famine that Joseph’s brothers needed to go to Egypt to buy crops. When his brothers arrived in Egypt, they did not recognize Joseph but he did. When Joseph could not stand hiding his identity to his brothers, he revealed himself. They were stunned. His brothers thought that Joseph might pay back for the wrong they had done against him. But Joseph reassured them he would not punish them. He told them that God placed him in that position to save many lives.

It is easier to praise God when we receive blessings from Him. Not that it is wrong to desire for His blessings. The issue is how we respond to God when facing difficult situations. In good times and in bad times, God is good. More often, we cannot comprehend why bad things happen to good people.  We cannot understand life to its entirety. We just need to trust God that He will use bad circumstances to turn these into good.

Do not be discouraged when you are facing a not-so-good situation. God is always with you. God promises His presence and protection. You will never face a dark day alone. Just come closer to Him. Only He can satisfy you. Come to Him. Jesus said, “I AM the Messiah.”

You cannot come to God unless you are willing to sincerely come to Him, honestly confess that you are a sinner, and acknowledge Him to be your Messiah.

“Father, I know that in putting my trust in You, all will be well. Although there are times that I cannot understand what is happening in my life, I know you do. Help me to strengthen my grip in you. I am weak but You are My stronghold. In Jesus name, amen.”