August 12, 2023: Faith A Matter Of Surrender

"And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" (Matthew 8:26, ESV)

Faith is a matter of surrender to the Living God. Faith does not trust in itself but in God, who demonstrates His goodness to His people through love. God desires the greatest good for all of us. Faith agrees with that fact and surrenders to the God who loves well, for He is good.
    
When Jesus questioned His disciple's faith, it was because they were not trusting in God but in their ability to sail the stormy Galilee Sea. Jesus' objective was to lead the disciples to the place of surrender so they would trust God or have more faith in Him than in themselves.
    
We know that faith comes by hearing the message and the message through the Word of God. (Romans 10:17) The more intimate one becomes with God, the more surrendered their life is to His will and leadership. Yet many hear the message, like the message, but never surrender to the message. Again, it goes back to the age-old problem: "Do I trust God, or do I trust myself more?" The disciples could 'see' the wind and waves but could not 'see' the God who delivers. God is looking for people who walk confidently in Him and can surrender to Him because they now 'see' as He 'sees!' A half surrender is no surrender at all. Why not raise your hands to Him now and surrender? Let Him be the Lord of your lif