Decrease the Defense

Surrender.

It's such a simple word.

The act though, not simple at all. Maybe in theory it seems like it would be so easy to let go of everything and give it over to God, who asks that we do this, because when we learn that He is the Author and Originator it would seem pointless to hold anything on our own. But in my life, even though I know I have no right or power, I tend to hoard these things and try to hide them from my God as if He doesn't see it.

Between the offenses and defenses in my heart, you may think from the outside that I would be a football fan. I'm far from it. But the amount of plays in my emotions would keep any NFL coach on their toes. The truth is, even though I thought I had forgiven things, something can trigger that hurt and I feel like I'm right back at the day that the pain was inflicted.

I've even been known to be offended FOR someone else. I get upset over things that happened to my husband long before we ever met. He has let them go and moved ahead with hope and forgiveness, and yet when he shares things with me about his past I find myself churning bitterness inside at the thought that anyone could ever treat him that way.

This is not healthy. It's not smart. And more than everything, it's not the way that God expects me to respond and live.

sur·ren·der

cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority.

Surrender. The enemy? Satan is a big one, but the next? Self. We are nothing aside from our Lord.

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

It is time to submit EVERY part of ourselves to Him, because there is none as deserving of our every thought, emotion, desire and breath than He.

Less of me. More of You, God.

About the Author :

Emilee Lowe is a Christ following wife and mother who lives in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is a former hair stylist who is committed to being used by God in whatever way He sees fit.

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