Surrendering Everything

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Matthew 13:44 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.”

Western Culture today regularly communicates subtle messages and ideas through everything – television, music, podcasts, books, and more. Over time, these ideas become commonplace. One message which is common among people today is, “Never give up! Never surrender!” 

The idea of surrenderingis completely counter-cultural. We think we’re too strong, too powerful, even too smart to need to surrender. When struggles come our way, our pride kicks into overdrive. We may think, I can figure this out. I don’t need to ask for help. When we’re backed into a corner and have an opportunity to wave the white flag of surrender, we may think, I’m still not going to surrender! I’ll just fight harder! 

But living in the Kingdom of God requires we surrender everything. In this parable, the man was actually excited to surrender everything he owned, knowing that what he would receive would be of even greater value.

READING & PRAYERS:

     MATTHEW 13:44-46 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Do you currently see the Kingdom of God as something of such immense value you are excited to surrender everything you have in order to live in the Kingdom? What may be one thing you struggle to fully surrender to God?

REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Continue to practice a slowed-down spirituality. Slow down in order to catch up to the pace in which God created you to live. 

Take a Step: This week, continue to utilize the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily to begin practicing being with God and resting in His presence. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices. See pauseapp.com for details.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, my prayer for the week is that I would recognize that You have called me to surrender everything in order to live in the Kingdom of God, but you haven’t called me to give up what You created to be good (friendship, joy, nature, and much more.) Help me to identify things I’m holding onto that are not life-giving and surrender them to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)