Surrender To God – Naty Matos

Amid life’s challenges, gratitude is often the last emotion we feel. Whether it’s physical or emotional pain, navigating through difficulties is never an easy task. However, as we reflect on our journey, we may find that these trials bear fruit, offering us invaluable lessons and growth.

The Control Freak’s Journey:

“I am controlling. I like to plan. I like to know when, what, who, how, and where… all the time.” How many of us can relate to this sentiment? God often places us in situations where we must surrender, throw our hands in the air, and say, “Whatever you want, God.” It’s a journey filled with improvement, setbacks, and the constant need for reminders.

Desires of the Heart:

We’ve all heard the scripture about God granting the desires of our hearts. Yet, timing can be an issue. God may withhold a desire not because it’s not meant for us, but because we aren’t ready to receive it. Be cautious in asking God to protect us while robbing a bank or to dissolve someone else’s marriage for our own desires. I assure you that’s not part of his will.

Unexpected Blessings:

My greatest desire—to become a mother. The journey wasn’t as expected, not in the timing, circumstances, or package I envisioned. Yet, it turned out to be perfect. The lesson? God’s plans are often beyond our understanding, and His timing is always perfect, even if we don’t see it at first.

Rejection and Growth:

When faced with rejection, like being passed over for a promotion multiple times, it may be a clue to move on to a place that appreciates our talents. Every experience teaches us something, ensuring that nothing learned is in vain. Just like in the movie “Karate Kid,” where Mr. Miyagi’s unconventional training methods turned out to be invaluable lessons for Daniel, God often works similarly. The challenges we face today are the lessons we need for a better life in the future.

Seeking God’s Lessons:

Ask God today, “What are you trying to teach me in this season?” By embracing challenges with faith, we open ourselves to the possibility of learning valuable lessons that will shape our future.

Life’s challenges may seem overwhelming, but through gratitude, faith, and an openness to learning, we can navigate them with strength and resilience. Just like the writer’s journey of surrendering control and embracing unexpected blessings, our own stories may unfold in ways we never imagined. Until next time, be blessed on your journey of growth and faith.

In the journey of faith, believers often find themselves grappling with the challenge of trusting God’s plan for their lives. The desire to know the outcome before taking the steps can be a stumbling block on this path of trust and obedience. Let’s explore the struggles, doubts, and the uplifting truth that lies in surrendering to God’s perfect plan.

As believers, we may doubt the signs placed before us, especially when they lead us to unfamiliar territories. Seeking assurance becomes a constant plea, even when God presents unmistakable billboards. Our human inclinations and discomfort may hinder our ability to wholly trust His plan. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are called to close our eyes and let Him lead, even when the destination is unknown.

Drawing parallels from the Bible, we recall the story of Abraham and Isaac. When God instructed Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac questioned his father about the sacrificial lamb. Abraham, in faith, replied that God would provide. Similarly, we are called to follow God’s plan, trusting that He will open the right doors, close the necessary ones, and bring the right people into our lives.

Reflecting on our daily lives, we often trust mundane things with blind faith – the food we eat, the water we drink, the coffee prepared by someone else, or the Uber driver transporting us. These things can fail or not meet our standards, yet we trust them without question. It is a poignant reminder of our tendency to doubt the Creator of heaven and earth and HIS perfect plan for our lives, when he never fails.

God desires our trust. He orchestrates the details when we surrender our plans to Him. We must cease attempting to navigate life independently and embrace the peace that comes from following His divine blueprint. The journey may not be easy, but the burden is light when we align ourselves with God’s will.

I recognize the fear associated with stepping into the unknown. However, reflecting on past experiences where God provided, freed, and saved, serves as a testament to His unwavering love; I can’t but to trust. It is a call to all of us to relinquish control and allow Jesus to guide through His plan.

As we step into a new year, it’s an opportune moment to challenge ourselves to a higher level of trust in God. The message resonates as an encouragement to let go of self-driven agendas and embrace the divine path set by the Creator.

Trusting God’s plan requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to let go of our fears and doubts. The journey may be daunting, but the promise of divine guidance and a plan tailored by a loving Creator awaits. As believers, let us embark on this new year with a renewed commitment to trust God and allow His plan to unfold in our lives.

If you need prayer or seek support on this journey, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments or connect via email.

And remember, challenges can be opportunities for growth. Consider picking up a copy of the “15-Day Challenge to a Stronger You” – perhaps the next step in your plan to grow closer to God. Embrace the unknown, for it is in trusting God’s plan that we find true peace and fulfillment.