“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”
—- Isaiah 55:8-13

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
— Philippians 1:4-6

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
— Romans 8:28

~~~~~

Take My Life
By Jennifer Kane

Take my life, O Lord,
like a river surrendered to the sea,
no longer holding its own course,
but swept into Your vast and boundless grace.

Take my hands—let them reach,
not for my own gain,
but to lift the weary,
to steady the broken,
to carry the burdens of love.

Take my feet—
not to wander aimless paths,
but to tread where You have called,
swift upon the hills of mercy,
beautiful in the dust of service.

Take my voice—
not for empty echoes,
not for the praise of men,
but for songs of truth,
for whispers of kindness,
for words that heal and restore.

Take my wealth—
not for the vaults of my own security,
but poured out, a sacred trust,
a light in another’s darkness,
a hand unclenched in faith.

Take my mind—
all thoughts, all wisdom,
every spark of learning,
to be shaped into tools for Your kingdom,
every gift laid before You in humility.

Take my will—
yes, break it free from selfish grasp,
melt it into Yours,
that I would no longer wrestle against You,
but rest, knowing You hold me fast.

Take my heart—
not a throne for my own desires,
but a sanctuary for Your presence,
holy, set apart, aflame with Your love.

Take my love, O Lord,
like oil poured at Your feet,
no part held back, no gift reserved,
but ever, only, all for You.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Isaiah 55:8-9, Philippians 1:6, Romans 8:28

Surrendering to God is not about losing control—it is about recognizing that we were never truly in control to begin with. We may make plans, set goals, and desire certain outcomes, but ultimately, God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). His purpose is eternal, and His wisdom is perfect.

When we surrender, we acknowledge that our lives belong to Him. We trade our anxieties for His peace, our struggles for His strength, and our limited understanding for His infinite wisdom. This surrender is not passive; it is an active choice to trust that God will complete the good work He has begun in us (Philippians 1:6).

There is great freedom in trusting God with our lives. When we release our grip on control, we open ourselves to His divine leading. We no longer strive for our own glory but seek to glorify Him in all we do. Even in trials, we can rest in the assurance that He is shaping us, refining our faith, and using all things for His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Are there areas in my life where I struggle to surrender control to God?
How can I actively trust that His purpose for me is good?
In what ways can I glorify Him in my daily decisions?

~~~~~

Heavenly Father, I lay my plans, my fears, and my desires before You. I surrender my life into Your hands, knowing that Your ways are perfect and Your purposes are good. Teach me to trust You fully, to walk in faith even when I do not understand, and to glorify You in all I do. Use me for Your kingdom and let my life be a testimony of Your power and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

March 20 2025