Lighting Up Our City Video 5: In Step With the Spiritનમૂનો

Each January, as people make their New Year’s resolutions, we also see them select their “word” for the year—things like soar, delight, or joy.

I often want those positive, pleasant words; however, God wants me to focus on what will grow me. So, the past few years, God has given me the words surrender, trust, and obey. I don’t know about you, but these aren’t easy for me. However, if I am to walk with God daily, I do need to surrender to Him. He is sovereign over everything, including me and my life.

Even Jesus humbled Himself to the Father’s will: “For I have not spoken on my own, but the Father himself who sent me has given me a command to say everything I have said” (John 12:49). Jesus said what the Father told Him to say. Jesus sought the will of His Father when He went off alone to pray. Jesus pleaded with the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane but ultimately submitted to His will: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me—nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus always said yes to the Father, and I am called to do the same.

Jesus is the perfect example of how I am to live. Paul tells us in Philippians that we are to “adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5), who humbly came to love and serve others.

As I have learned to surrender to God by opening my hands and saying, “not my will but yours be done,” He gives me His peace. And I am free to say “yes” to what He calls me to do. Will you follow Jesus and surrender to your Father’s will?

By Teresa Baumbach