God vs. You OR God & You

God vs. You or God & You

                One of the wrestling stars from my youth was "Roddy Piper" (the Hulk Hogan era). He had what was called a "submission move" which was the "Sleeper Hold". Once a competitor (also an actor) found himself in this predicament the match was all but over. Submission, in wrestling, has always been something to avoid.                  

                Paul, in Ephesians Chapter 5 verse 21 implores us to “submit to one another out of reverence to God". Who does Paul think he is? We are groomed to be independent thinkers with the freedom to act for our own good pleasure and so the idea of intentionally giving up power, opinions, and "rights" is an alien concept.

Without actively submitting we are actually wrestling with God. (Jacob tangled with God in Genesis 32 and came out of it a little worse for wear). There is a clear and present tension between the will of the Spirit and that of our flesh (just ask anyone in Sunday morning Bible Study). When we choose self over others we find ourselves overmatched. It is an ugly thought indeed to imagine ourselves aligned with Satan. But if we are not FOR God we find ourselves doing the enemy's bidding. Jesus said, “Whoever is not with me is against me”.

This favorite hymn rings true:

All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give.

I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live.

I surrender all. I surrender all. All to thee my blessed Savior; I surrender all.


     Give up already! How freeing it is to lay down your arms and surrender to a God that has no intention of imprisoning your soul but to bestow an abundant life to the fullest! Giving up the fight involves receiving the kingdom! As a child of the living God, remember that for your next battle and all along, God is in your corner!