AmenSample

THREE QUESTIONS

“Surrender” is a word most of us associate with failure or worse, quitting. Today, Angus gives us a whole new perspective on the power of surrender. 

The goal of our faith is not sitting in church services. The objective of our faith is to be transformed into the image of Jesus. As we become all God created us for, a new enthusiasm for life will emerge. We will discover purpose and power where previously we knew only failure and discouragement. 

A word from Pastor Jackson 

One of the most frequent misconceptions I bump into, and especially with men, is that Christianity is for weak people – that somehow Christianity is for those who can’t cope. 

My discovery is that being a Christ follower takes all the strength and courage a person has. Christianity is for the strongest and most courageous of people. It demands our very best to follow Jesus. 

It’s much easier to quit, much easier to say that the world is filled with hypocrites, that religion is inconsistent, or to find some reason to discredit the gospel story. It takes courage and great strength to say, “I am going to honor Jesus with my life, imperfect as I am or inconsistent as I may be. I am going to give Him my best.” 

A lesson from Angus 

One day I was sitting in my farm office when I received a word from the Lord. I had been reading a book called Power Evangelism. At the back of the book there were anecdotes and biographies of mighty men and women of God who had changed the world for Him. 

As I was reading them, the Holy Spirit started speaking to me. What He showed me was that every one of these men and women were just ordinary people like you and me. The only qualification they had is that they had the faith to get out there and do it. 

To begin with, I decided to rent the town hall in a town which was a few hours’ drive away. When the time came, as I drove into the town, I was feeling very nervous. The Lord asked me three questions. 

This is what He said: “Are you prepared to be a fool for Me?” and I said, “Well, that is easy because I’m already a fool.” 

The second question Jesus asked me was: “Are you prepared for people to say all manner of evil about you for My name’s sake?” I said, “Well, I am dead anyway because I died when I gave my life to You.” 

Then the third question, the one that I still struggle with, was: “Are you prepared to see less of your wife and your family because of Me?” The Lord asked me to drink from the cup – not the cup of prosperity but the cup of suffering. And I said, “Lord, only by Your grace” and that still stands. 

On that first night I made an altar call, and six people came forward. At the stadium events we’ve had in the past years I’ve seen thousands of people make a commitment to Christ, but I will never forget those six people.

The Christian lifestyle is about surrender, about dying to self and living for Jesus. Only then will you have life and have it abundantly. 

Reflection Question: John 10:10 | A full life 

What evidence could someone point to that would indicate you are living life to the full? 

Memory Verse - Galatians 2:20

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your great love for me. Forgive me for the times I have been indifferent or unconcerned about You. My desire is to learn to honor Jesus in all areas of my life. Holy Spirit, I ask You to help me recognize the places where surrender would bring victory. Give me the strength and courage to say “yes” to God. I choose to turn away from rebellion and boldly take steps of faith. I rejoice today that through the power of Jesus’ name I can live life to the full. Amen.