Lowing & Going
Lowing & Going
In our walk with God, we often encounter moments that challenge us to step out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. These moments, though daunting, are crucial for our spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God's purpose in our lives. Today, let's explore the profound concept of surrender and how it shapes our journey of faith.
The story of the Ark of the Covenant being returned to Israel by the Philistines provides a powerful metaphor for this spiritual principle. After possessing the Ark for seven months and experiencing God's judgment through afflictions, the Philistines decided to send it back. Their method of testing God's will is both fascinating and instructive.
They took two milk cows that had never been yoked, separated them from their calves, and hitched them to a cart carrying the Ark. If the cows went straight to Beth Shemesh in Israel, ignoring their natural instinct to return to their calves, it would confirm that God was guiding them. This unusual test speaks volumes about the nature of true submission to God's will.
Like these cows, we are often called to leave behind what is familiar and comfortable. We may be asked to walk in ways that feel unnatural or challenging. The cows' journey, as they lowed (cried out) but continued on their path, mirrors our own struggles as we follow God's leading. It's not always easy, and we may experience pain or loss, but the destination God has for us is worth the sacrifice.
This concept of sacrifice is further illustrated in the story of Abraham and Isaac. When God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, He was really asking Abraham to put his future – his promised legacy – in God's hands. Abraham's willingness to obey, even in the face of losing everything he held dear, demonstrated a level of trust that God honored. At the last moment, God provided a ram as a substitute, showing that He often tests our hearts rather than actually requiring us to lose what we love.
Jesus himself exemplified this principle in the Garden of Gethsemane. Facing the cross, He prayed, "If it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but Yours be done." This moment of surrender, choosing God's will over His own desires, paved the way for the salvation of humanity.
In our own lives, God often asks us to let go of things that hinder our spiritual growth. It might be a possession, a relationship, a habit, or even a dream. The challenge is to trust that God's plan for us is better than anything we could hold onto ourselves.
One poignant example shared was of a man who loved power sports. He was asked by God to sell his prized dirt bike and later his cherished jet ski, putting the money into the church offering. Though it was painful, his obedience led to unexpected blessings and spiritual growth. Sometimes, God gives back what we surrender; other times, He replaces it with something better. The key is being willing to open our hands and trust Him with our treasures.
This principle of surrender isn't just about personal growth; it's about impact. When we fully submit to God's will, we become vessels He can use to reach others. Like a stone thrown into a pond, our obedience creates ripples that touch lives we may never directly encounter. The testimony of one person's faith can lead to the salvation of entire families and communities.
Consider the story of a man who, prompted by the Holy Spirit, used his last bit of money to provide a hotel room for a struggling family. Years later, he learned that this act of kindness had been the catalyst for that family's journey to faith, impacting generations.
The call to surrender is not a one-time event but a continual process in our walk with God. It's about daily choosing His will over our own, even when it doesn't make sense to our natural minds. This might mean waking up at odd hours to pray for someone, giving when it hurts, or walking away from situations that compromise our faith.
As we navigate this journey, it's important to remember that God doesn't always reveal the full picture. Like the cows pulling the Ark, we may not understand where we're going or why we're facing certain challenges. But our obedience, even when we can't see the outcome, is what builds our faith and deepens our relationship with God.
The beauty of this surrender is that it aligns us with God's purposes, not just for our lives but for the world around us. When we let go of our own plans and embrace God's, we become part of a larger story – one that has the power to transform lives and communities.
In conclusion, the journey of faith is one of continuous surrender and trust. It's about saying, like Jesus did, "Nevertheless, Your will be done." It's about being willing to be uncomfortable, to face uncertainty, and to let go of what we think we need, trusting that God's plans for us are greater than anything we could imagine.
As you reflect on your own life, consider what God might be asking you to surrender. What are you holding onto that might be holding you back? Remember, in God's economy, our losses often become our greatest gains. When we open our hands and hearts to Him, we create space for miracles to happen – not just in our lives, but in the lives of those around us.
Let us embrace this journey of faith with courage and openness, knowing that every step of obedience brings us closer to the heart of God and His purposes for our lives. In letting go, we find true freedom, and in surrendering, we discover our greatest strength.
In our walk with God, we often encounter moments that challenge us to step out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. These moments, though daunting, are crucial for our spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God's purpose in our lives. Today, let's explore the profound concept of surrender and how it shapes our journey of faith.
The story of the Ark of the Covenant being returned to Israel by the Philistines provides a powerful metaphor for this spiritual principle. After possessing the Ark for seven months and experiencing God's judgment through afflictions, the Philistines decided to send it back. Their method of testing God's will is both fascinating and instructive.
They took two milk cows that had never been yoked, separated them from their calves, and hitched them to a cart carrying the Ark. If the cows went straight to Beth Shemesh in Israel, ignoring their natural instinct to return to their calves, it would confirm that God was guiding them. This unusual test speaks volumes about the nature of true submission to God's will.
Like these cows, we are often called to leave behind what is familiar and comfortable. We may be asked to walk in ways that feel unnatural or challenging. The cows' journey, as they lowed (cried out) but continued on their path, mirrors our own struggles as we follow God's leading. It's not always easy, and we may experience pain or loss, but the destination God has for us is worth the sacrifice.
This concept of sacrifice is further illustrated in the story of Abraham and Isaac. When God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, He was really asking Abraham to put his future – his promised legacy – in God's hands. Abraham's willingness to obey, even in the face of losing everything he held dear, demonstrated a level of trust that God honored. At the last moment, God provided a ram as a substitute, showing that He often tests our hearts rather than actually requiring us to lose what we love.
Jesus himself exemplified this principle in the Garden of Gethsemane. Facing the cross, He prayed, "If it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but Yours be done." This moment of surrender, choosing God's will over His own desires, paved the way for the salvation of humanity.
In our own lives, God often asks us to let go of things that hinder our spiritual growth. It might be a possession, a relationship, a habit, or even a dream. The challenge is to trust that God's plan for us is better than anything we could hold onto ourselves.
One poignant example shared was of a man who loved power sports. He was asked by God to sell his prized dirt bike and later his cherished jet ski, putting the money into the church offering. Though it was painful, his obedience led to unexpected blessings and spiritual growth. Sometimes, God gives back what we surrender; other times, He replaces it with something better. The key is being willing to open our hands and trust Him with our treasures.
This principle of surrender isn't just about personal growth; it's about impact. When we fully submit to God's will, we become vessels He can use to reach others. Like a stone thrown into a pond, our obedience creates ripples that touch lives we may never directly encounter. The testimony of one person's faith can lead to the salvation of entire families and communities.
Consider the story of a man who, prompted by the Holy Spirit, used his last bit of money to provide a hotel room for a struggling family. Years later, he learned that this act of kindness had been the catalyst for that family's journey to faith, impacting generations.
The call to surrender is not a one-time event but a continual process in our walk with God. It's about daily choosing His will over our own, even when it doesn't make sense to our natural minds. This might mean waking up at odd hours to pray for someone, giving when it hurts, or walking away from situations that compromise our faith.
As we navigate this journey, it's important to remember that God doesn't always reveal the full picture. Like the cows pulling the Ark, we may not understand where we're going or why we're facing certain challenges. But our obedience, even when we can't see the outcome, is what builds our faith and deepens our relationship with God.
The beauty of this surrender is that it aligns us with God's purposes, not just for our lives but for the world around us. When we let go of our own plans and embrace God's, we become part of a larger story – one that has the power to transform lives and communities.
In conclusion, the journey of faith is one of continuous surrender and trust. It's about saying, like Jesus did, "Nevertheless, Your will be done." It's about being willing to be uncomfortable, to face uncertainty, and to let go of what we think we need, trusting that God's plans for us are greater than anything we could imagine.
As you reflect on your own life, consider what God might be asking you to surrender. What are you holding onto that might be holding you back? Remember, in God's economy, our losses often become our greatest gains. When we open our hands and hearts to Him, we create space for miracles to happen – not just in our lives, but in the lives of those around us.
Let us embrace this journey of faith with courage and openness, knowing that every step of obedience brings us closer to the heart of God and His purposes for our lives. In letting go, we find true freedom, and in surrendering, we discover our greatest strength.