Surrender 

Beautiful People, 
I want to introduce you to my son, Captain, my buddy. My wife and I rescued him three years prior, and he has changed our lives for the better.

You will notice Captain is relatively large; however, the more time you spend with the little guy, the more you realize that my little buddy has anxiety. From an outward appearance, Captain looks strong, courageous, and intimidating (all true), and inwardly he is soft, caring, and afraid. Unfortunately, life didn't deal with Captain a kind hand before he met us. There's a lesson here. Just because someone looks strong and invincible doesn't mean that they don't struggle. Unfortunately, our perceptions of others are usually skewed until we get to know their narratives. 

For the next four weeks, our devotional time will center on surrender—wholehearted pursuit in surrender. We can keep living a life of perception and project to the world that "everything is okay," or we can wholeheartedly surrender our hurts and anxieties to God. Captain has anxiety, yes, but he has learned to trust me, which has decreased his anxiety. If that can happen between a man and his furry friend, what more about God and you? "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for us." Just throw it on him, and let him carry your burdens" (1 Peter 5:7). So, friends, surrender to Christ; you can trust Him, but don't take my word for it, experience His care for yourself. 

Remember, you are loved more than you would dare believe. 1 Peter 5:7 is a testimony to that declarative statement of truth! 

P.S. How does one surrender to Christ? Through intentional prayer and allowing the Spirit to change your attitudes towards Christ.