For Richer For Poorer

Last Saturday didn't turn out quite as we planned. There were some unexpected turns to keep us on our toes. At the end of the day I went down to the beach for a breather. There was quite a swell on and I noticed a kite-surfer way out at sea. As he raised his sail into the wind he was carried back to the beach on the crest of a wave. This set me thinking:

We enter into God's provision and blessings, as we surrender to Him. Surrender is the key. When we yield to Him He takes over and achieves what we may think is impossible in our strength. Complete surrender equals complete succour. I have often struggled with this and surrender to a loving God hasn't always come easily.

The big question was, could I really trust Him. In other words, is it safe? Of course you don't find out until you surrender. It's can feel bit like jumping off a cliff. It's not until you jump do you find out there's a safety net under you! A risky business? God often seems to do things in ways I would never dare dream of. It can be scary, even seemingly dangerous, but always safe.

I liken surrendering to our marriage vows. The words may vary, but when we marry we promise to stick with other, "for better, for worse: for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health;to love and to cherish, 'till death us do part -." We willingly and eagerly enter into this, surrendering to each other, because we love one another. We take the rough with the smooth. My wife and I have certainly had our for 'better or for worse,' but God always has brought us through.

Surrendering is simple, but I have not always found it easy. When I do get it right there is a deep peace and even joy, as I get carried along in the flowing waves of God's loving provision.

Each time He waits for our 'yes' and then He does the rest.

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11 New International Version