Matthew 20:28, John 5:19, 1 Peter 5:6, James 4:10

Suzie Brock considers the need to yield our lives fully to God

Suzie Brock
Suzie Brock

Jesus was our supreme example of the power of these two attributes, submission and humility. With his own lips he declared that he had come not to be served but to serve and with his actions he played out these truths of submission and humility.

'For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.' Matthew 20:28

'So Jesus explained, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.' John 5:19

To walk in humility and understand submission is to grasp the plan and order of God. It allows all things to work together as an effective force of energy. Each one of us taking our place in the chain of life; each of us as stones correctly positioned at just the right level and place to support the structure we are a part of.

There is stability and safety in submission. Humility is our perfect posture and place of rest and strength. In the position of humility and submission it allows God to be the one to lift and bring up. If God is the supreme power and architect of the building then it is truly secure and will survive the greatest of storms.

Staying power is standing secure in the place he has chosen for you, moving only when it is his hand that moves you. Then and only then is each move mastered in perfection, safe and exhilarating because there is no fear involved, no wavering or trembling.

Is our faith in his plan for us strong enough? Can we trust while sitting in a place far from our conceived idea of perfection? Can we wait and trust the Master's hand to be the one to lift us, or to move us? What if he never does?

Humble yourself under the hand of God and he WILL lift you up, is the promise in 1 Peter 5:6. This brings hope and inspires patience.

Why do we sometimes struggle against his design when we don't have the ability to see the whole picture clearly? Why do we risk doing things without his help? Are we strong enough, wise enough, or clear visioned enough to know what is the best? The future is obstructed from our view, making moves on our own risky, possibly endangering those leaned against us and altering God's perfect timing.

The definition of submit is as stated - to yield oneself to the power or authority of another: to submit to a conqueror. Has Christ conquered your heart? Have you given over to him the authority of your life, your thoughts and your ways?

Humility is defined: the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc. Is the position of your heart and mind humble? Do you acknowledge God and his Son as 'more important' than everything else?

Submission is wisdom and humility is strength. As we place our lives and times in his hands and allow him to be the master architect of our futures, they will not only be secure, they will be bright, as his plans and purposes for us are good, always good!

  • 'Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.' James 4:10

  • 'It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us.' 2 Corinthians 1:21

  • 'Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.' Psalm 37:3

  • 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.' Proverbs 3:5

  • 'And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.' 1 Peter 2:5
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The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.