Choices That Change Everything: The Power of Surrender and Obedience

Life is a series of choices. Every day, we make decisions that shape our path, influence our relationships, and determine our future. But among all these choices, there's one that stands above the rest – the choice to follow Jesus Christ.

This choice isn't just about attending church or knowing Bible verses. It's about having a personal, transformative relationship with the living God. It's about surrendering our will to His and allowing Him to change us from the inside out.

The story of creation in Genesis 1 reminds us that God chose to create us. He didn't need to – He is complete in Himself. Yet, out of love, He spoke the universe into existence and formed us in His image. The vastness of the cosmos, with its billions of galaxies and trillions of stars, testifies to His power and creativity. And in all this immensity, He chose to create us and desires a relationship with each one of us.

But in Genesis 3, we see another pivotal choice – the decision of Adam and Eve to disobey God. This wasn't just a simple mistake; it was willful rebellion. And the consequences of that choice have reverberated through history, affecting every human being since. It's a stark reminder that our choices can have far-reaching implications, not just for ourselves but for generations to come.

Yet, even in the face of human rebellion, God made another choice – a choice of love and redemption. John 3:16 encapsulates this beautifully: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse, familiar to many, holds profound truth. God's love for us is so deep, so vast, that He willingly sacrificed His Son for our sake.

Imagine for a moment the weight of that decision. As parents, we would do anything to protect our children. Yet God chose to send His Son to suffer and die for us. This wasn't a decision made out of obligation or pity, but out of pure, sacrificial love. And this love extends to everyone, regardless of background, status, or past mistakes.

The story of Saul's conversion in Acts 9 illustrates the transformative power of encountering Jesus. Saul, later known as Paul, was on a mission to persecute Christians when he had a dramatic encounter with the risen Christ. This meeting changed everything for Saul. He went from being a persecutor of the faith to one of its most ardent advocates.

This story challenges us to consider our own encounters with Jesus. Have we truly met Him, or do we merely know about Him? There's a world of difference between intellectual knowledge and personal experience. When we truly encounter Christ, it changes everything – our priorities, our attitudes, our very essence.

But the story in Acts 9 doesn't end with Saul. It also highlights the role of Ananias, a disciple in Damascus. God called Ananias to minister to Saul – a man known for persecuting Christians. Imagine the fear and hesitation Ananias must have felt. Yet, he chose to obey God's command, playing a crucial role in Saul's transformation.

This part of the story reminds us that following Jesus isn't just about our personal relationship with Him. It's also about being willing to step out in faith and obedience, even when it's uncomfortable or scary. God often uses ordinary believers to play extraordinary roles in His redemptive plan.

The essence of following Jesus is surrender. It's not about making Jesus our Lord – He already is Lord of all. Rather, it's about surrendering to His Lordship, acknowledging His authority over every aspect of our lives. This surrender is a daily choice, a continual process of letting go of our own will and embracing His.

For some, the call is to make that initial choice of surrender – to acknowledge their need for Jesus and commit their lives to Him. It's a decision that requires humility and courage, but it's one that leads to true life and freedom.

For others who already follow Christ, the challenge is to be like Ananias – ready to obey God's call, even when it seems daunting. It's about being willing to minister to others, to step out of our comfort zones, and to be instruments of God's love and grace in the world.

In both cases, it comes down to choice. Will we choose to surrender to Jesus, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out? Will we choose to obey His voice, even when it leads us into unfamiliar territory?

These choices aren't always easy. They often require us to let go of our pride, our preconceptions, and our desire for control. But they are choices that lead to life – abundant, purposeful, eternal life.

As we reflect on these truths, let's consider the choices before us.

• Are we living in full surrender to Jesus, or are we holding back parts of our lives?

• Are we willing to obey His voice, even when it's challenging?

• Are we ready to be used by Him to impact others?

Remember, following Jesus is a personal choice we each must make. No one else can make it for us. But it's a choice that has the power to change everything – our lives, our relationships, our eternal destiny.

Today, let's choose surrender. Let's choose obedience. Let's choose Jesus. For in Him, we find the love, purpose, and transformation our hearts truly long for.