Strength is freely choosing to live surrendered to God's sovereignty

(based on a reflection from 2023-11-23)
#🪴evergreen

Freedom is having the power to choose. Strength is having the will to make the choice. (Maturity is taking responsibility for choices I make.)

Surrender is recognizing, by thought, attitude, and action, that I as a creature do not have ultimate freedom, like the Creator does. I am subject to his sovereign will, and all choices I make operate within that framework.

It is true that I am constrained by circumstances, and others’ actions, but in every situation, I have the freedom of choice: liberty in Christ. I can choose how I will face it—my thoughts, attitude, perspective, and response.

I choose to face life—including and especially the hardship and suffering—with strength, courage, and hope. I choose to give my all.

I choose life over death.

“Therefore choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
(And yet, “You did not choose me, but I chose you…” John 15:16)

Deuteronomy 30:19–20
“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

How to choose life:
Romans 8:2 — the Spirit of life set me free in Christ Jesus
8:5 — to live according to the Spirit is to set my mind on the things of the Spirit
8:13 — by the Spirit, put to death the deeds of the flesh and live
8:25 — we wait in expectant hope for the fulfillment
8:28 — God is working all things for good
8:29 — …that good is for me to become like Christ
8:32 — we have confidence that God will give all good things.
And nothing in life and no manner of death can separate us from his unending, all-powerful love!