My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
--Proverbs 23:26
In 1805, there was a naval battle between England and France that ended with Britain prevailing. Lord Nelson was the Admiral of the British fleet. So the French Admiral came aboard the English ship and stepped into the private quarters of Lord Nelson to surrender.
When he walked in to greet Lord Nelson, he extended his hands and began congratulating the admiral for a great battle. Lord Nelson stepped back two steps, refusing to take the hand of that French admiral, and said, “Sir, your sword first, and then your hand!”
Before the Lord Jesus Christ can extend to you His blessings for your life, before He can give you His hand of power, you must first surrender the sword by submitting yourself to Him. You have to completely disarm yourself, giving Him full control and allowing Him to have His way in your life.
Many Christians today surrender up to a point, but then there’s that last little idol they just have to have. Instead, let go of the things of the world, raising your hands to Christ and telling Him, “Yes, Jesus. I’m all yours!” When you do, you’ll find more blessings than you could’ve ever received from the treasures of the world.
SURRENDER YOUR LIFE FULLY TO CHRIST AND YOU’LL RECEIVE HIS VERY BEST BLESSINGS!
Taking on Hard Things
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.”
2 Kings 2:9–10
In the years he served Elijah, Elisha saw God’s power displayed often. He recognized that the source of the miracles was not the prophet, but the Lord. When the time came for Elijah to be carried up to Heaven, Elisha knew that he would be replacing a powerful voice for God. To accomplish that task, he knew what was needed—the Holy Spirit that empowered the prophet. Rather than being content to just replace Elijah, Elisha wanted to do even more for God, so he asked for a “double portion.”
Elijah told him that his request would be granted if Elisha saw him taken up to Heaven. He did, and that same power rested on Elisha throughout his life. It is not by coincidence that there are eight miracles recorded in Scripture connected with Elijah and sixteen with Elisha. Though both men undoubtedly did many other things, God was making the point that even though Elisha had asked for “a hard thing” God was able to bring it to pass.
There is nothing worthwhile that is accomplished for God without struggle. If we only do the easy things, we will fall short of His purpose for our lives. As the old saying goes, “The door of opportunity swings on the hinges of opposition.” The fact that something is difficult does not mean that it should not be done, but that we should rely on God’s Spirit to equip us for the task.
Today's Growth Principle:
In the power of God, we can accomplish any task He sets before us, no matter how hard it seems.
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