Surrender What Jesus Uncovers
By Rick Warren
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6 NLT, second edition).
It takes years for us to grow to adulthood, and it takes a full season for fruit to mature and ripen. The same is true for the fruit of the Spirit. The development of Christ-like character cannot be rushed. Spiritual growth, like physical growth, takes time.
Before Christ enters our lives at conversion, he often must allow us to experience problems so that he can get our attention and show us that we’re living a life built on a faulty foundation. In truth, that faulty foundation is what causes many of the problems in our lives.
Jesus demands that we surrender all of our life to him. He doesn’t want a small portion of who you are. It’s like this — when you’re trying to climb out of a river that has a steep bank, you have to get a foothold on something to start the climb. And once you get the foothold, you can climb up the bank and walk all around.
Some of us, when we invited Jesus into our lives, simply gave him a foothold, but we’re resisting his efforts to step fully up onto the bank so he can fully access our lives. Jesus isn’t willing to stand there on that foothold. He wants you to give him all of your life.
You may think you’ve surrendered all your life to him, but the truth is, there are parts of your life that you’re still hanging onto. Jesus isn’t upset with you. He simply wants to work with you to help you uncover areas that you still need to surrender to him.
There will be struggles and battles, but the outcome will never be in question. God has promised that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV).
Playtoday’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>
Talk It Over
- Describe your pre-conversion experience with the Lord. What did he allow to happen in your life that was meant to help you see your need for him? How did you respond?
- What are the areas of your life that you have not yet surrendered to the Lord?
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Find Healing from your hurts, habits, and hang-ups!
Based on Jesus’ very own words in the Beatitudes, this DVD and workbook guides you through eight critical choices that every wounded believer must make in order to experience wholeness, happiness, and healing. These essential decisions will build your trust in God even when you don’t understand his plans and your circumstances look hopeless.
The Life’s Healing Choices study kit is our gift to thank you for your donation today. So request your copy below – and start finding true healing from your hurts, habits, and hang-ups!
This devotional © 2016 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can also listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
