Surrender: A devotional on desperation, humility, and giving over

 “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” — Mark 6:30-31 Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King, What an accurate picture of ministry. The scenario: we gather around Jesus, excited about all He is doing through us, praising our Savior for the lives changed and disciples made. People are coming and going... Yes, people are coming to our fellowship, and people are going—being sent out, departing, leaving. It's a never-ending cycle it seems. People coming... people going... And in all that movement, one scarcely has a chance to eat. No time for physical nourishment for sure, but it also seems no time for spiritual nourishment. When do I have time for myself to just eat? To get the energy I need for more doing and teaching, for more coming and more going? That...

“The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” — Luke 8:38-39 Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King, This man had a TESTIMONY! He had encountered You, the Messiah, and had been set free from a life of demonic oppression enslaved to the enemy of his soul. You gave him a new life, an abundant life, a changed life that was walking, talking evidence of what You can do! Then when he wanted to follow you, you sent him home. You knew his greatest impact was going to be with those who knew who he once was and would see who he had now become. Lord, why do we resist going back home? The people and places that know us best—all our stupid mistakes, all our immature actions—I don't want to face them. I don't want to return home. Because to do that means surrendering pride. It means facing what once was in...