The following true story, “I come to a Place of Complete Surrender” written by a Billy Graham Library summer intern named Mariah, can be found at https://billygrahamlibrary.org/blog-complete-surrender/.
One of my greatest takeaways from this summer has been learning about the beauty of living a life completely surrendered to the Lord. Galatians 2:20 says, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Billy Graham is one of the best examples of how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. All we have to do is give everything to Him. Through our obedience and our willingness to die to self, God is able to bless us far more than we would even imagine.
Ruth Graham grew up with a background in missions. Desiring to follow the path laid out by her parents, Ruth prayed to become a missionary in Tibet. When she met Billy, however, the Lord redirected her footsteps into marriage with him. Although she never became a solo Tibetan missionary, her ministry was able to impact people from all over the world. Because of her obedience to the Lord, the Graham ministry was about to go to the ends of the earth.
Ruth pushed Billy to have a global mindset, and as a team, they were able to reach hundreds of countries for the sake of the Gospel. The lives of Mr. and Mrs. Graham have inspired me in so many ways, but one specific way they have influenced me is by showing me that I should anticipate an unknown future with excitement, knowing that the God we serve is completely known. Furthermore, we have a promise that God works for the good of those who love Him.
As a rising senior in college, I sometimes fear what will come next, because up until this point, everything has been laid out for me. Just like Billy Graham, however, I come to a place of complete surrender, which is a really sweet place to be. When our hands are open, holding onto nothing, God can do his best work.
…I seek to be a vessel, which the Lord will use to impact my spheres of influence. I want people to see a difference in me, and I want that difference to be the Lord radiating through me. Wherever I go next, I will remember this summer, because it has given me a new excitement about ministry and calling. Furthermore, it has given me a hope that only comes through knowing, sharing, and operating inside of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Have you come to the Place of Surrender? Or should I ask, Are you coming to the Place of Surrender? It is so tempting to live life according to our own desires. We want Jesus to save us from our sin, keep us out of hell, and help us in our times of need. But are we really willing to make Jesus to be Lord of everything in our lives?
The Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-49) represents three places. The Disciples were in the place of Slumber, Judas was in the place of Self, and Jesus was in the place of Surrender. His cry was, “Not My will, but Thine be done”! This is the greatest prayer we can make. To grow in the Lord, we must come to the place of Surrender and our cry must also be, “Not My will, but Thine be done”! May Jesus truly be Lord of All!
This Sunday we will visit the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus cried, “Not My will, but Thine be done”! May this be the cry of each of our hearts. Please invite someone to join you at 10:35am in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We livestream every Sunday to both locations.
The “Joy of Belonging” classes for current and new members will conclude this Sunday, January 28, in the 9:30am Adult Bible Class. If you are interested in, or simply curious about, membership, this class is for you.
On Sunday, February 4, everyone is invited to stay for an “ono-licious” Lunch in the Fellowship Hall. (No need to bring anything for the meal; everything will be provided.) After the lunch, all members are invited and encouraged to stay for the Annual Meeting of the congregation as we rejoice in the Lord’s faithfulness. Please don’t miss it!
Note: Sadly the Livestream for last Sunday’s service did not work. The message will be filmed this Wednesday and both it and the Bible Study will be available at our website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel. Please check it out!
Aloha ke Akua!
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