Submit
“So submit yourselves to God.”
The word submit doesn’t usually sit well with me. As much as I hate to admit it, submission evokes some “ugly” feelings. In general, it’s hard for me to submit to others - I like being in charge, and my pride is something fierce.
But when I really think about it, submission gets a bad rap. Broken down, submission = sub + mission. Submitting to the Father means coming under His mission. And our God isn’t cruel; our God doesn’t ask us to submit to Him to squelch our gifts and desires.
God asks for submission to free us.
Submission is meant to free us. When we submit to God’s mission, we’re free. We are more free under the covering and the protection of His larger vision than our own. When we live under our own mission, we’re responsible. We’re accountable, and, usually, we’re stressed.
God doesn’t want that for us. He wants freedom and peace and generosity and love. When we submit ourselves to Him and to His mission, we don’t have to carry the stress or the burden of KNOWING. We just get to be with Him. We just get to rest in His presence. We get to put the decisions and the pressure and the fruit on Him. And sisters, that’s where it’s meant to be.
Father,
Thank You for allowing us to come under Your mission and Your protection. We’re so grateful that You don’t leave us hanging, that we’re not solely responsible for everything and everyone around us.
Help us to walk with You, following only where You lead. Teach us how to get caught up in Your vision and Your mission - so that we don’t have to carry the heavy burden of our own. Show us how our dreams and desires fit with Your plans.
God, we love You. Help us to rest where You are and follow where You lead. Amen.