If God is indeed to become our deepest passion, highest good and highest purpose, there is a cost to be paid–ourselves. Most Christians–and even the majority of Americans–would assert a desire to have a vital relationship with God, but few have legitimately counted the cost Jesus Himself claimed necessary to be His disciple. Devotion demands death to the claim to the right to ourselves so that He becomes Lord over all that we are. This death to self, this brokenness is the doorway into the incomparable relationship and life only God offers. Jesus can be your Savior without you allowing Him to be your Lord, but you won’t experience the abundant life available until He is. Access to God through Jesus is a gift, but upon receiving it He asks you for devotion in return. Only as you agree–He won’t force you–will His life in its fullness be yours to experience.

Surrender is not a kind word. It depicts defeat. Not so with our Lord Jesus. He has conquered sin and self so we can receive what we could never achieve for ourselves. He gives us not what we deserve, but rather mercy and grace, life and love, adoption and inheritance, and a forever family with Himself. You will always have room in terms of time, energy and resources – to be and do what God crafted you for.  You won’t need to rush, hurry, worry, or feel pressured as you accomplish all the things God had given you to do.