Always for Good

"We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Children can teach us adults. Sometimes, adults, with all our worries, we've got all these plans, concerns. We're carrying the burdens of the past, we also worry about tomorrow. We forget that today is actually that gift that God has given from us. That's what actually children teach us. Children, they just look at the present moment. They have a toy in their hand, and they enjoy it, they actually love it. They don't think about the past, they don't think about the future, they just enjoy the present.

And it's an invitation from God, that if you want more peace in your life, focus on today. Enjoy the blessing of God, today. Enjoy on the peace and the presence of God wherever you are, whatever you're doing, thank God.

Don't be worried about tomorrow, don't be trapped by your past. Enjoy today.

At the end of the day, everything works out. It may not be as exactly the way I want it to, but everything works out for good for those who love God, so trust Him and believe.

Father in heaven, Lord we surrender ourselves to you, and we praise you and thank you for TODAY, this day. Lord we surrender yesterday, we surrender tomorrow, and we'll enjoy today. This is your gift, this is your present. And we love you and thank you. AMEN.

Surrender!

Surrendering to God is the heart of worship.

It is the natural response to God's amazing love and mercy. We give ourselves to him, not out of fear or duty, but in love, "because he first loved us."

Surrendering to God is not passive resignation, fatalism, or an excuse for laziness. It is not accepting the status quo. It may mean the exact opposite: sacrificing your life or suffering in order to change what needs to be changed. God often calls surrendered people to do battle on his behalf.

Surrender is best demonstrated in obedience and trust. You can't call Jesus your Lord when you refuse to obey him. After a night of failed fishing, Peter modeled surrender when Jesus told him to try again: "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." Surrendered people obey God's word, even if it doesn't make sense.

Another aspect of a fully surrendered life is trust. Mary expected a miracle without knowing how. Joseph trusted God's purpose without knowing why circumstances happened the way they did. You know you're surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda, and control the situation. You let go and let God work. You don't have to always be "in charge".

If God is going to do his deepest work in you, it will begin with this. So give it all to God: your past regrets, your present problems, your future ambitions, your fears, dreams, weaknesses, habits, hurts, and hang-ups. Put Jesus Christ in the driver's seat of your life and take your hands off the steering wheel. Don't be afraid; nothing under his control can ever be out of control.

Nothing is more powerful than a surrendered life in the hands of God.

Rick Warren, The Purpose-Driven Life