Day 2 of 5: The Power of Surrender
Yesterday we discovered the difference between having the Holy Spirit and being filled with Him.
Today, let's explore what it means to surrender control and why this is so crucial for experiencing God's power in our lives. When someone becomes intoxicated, who's really in control? Not the person - it's the alcohol that controls their actions, emotions, and decisions. This might seem like a strange comparison, but it perfectly illustrates what should happen when we're filled with the Holy Spirit. Just as alcohol takes control of an intoxicated person, the Holy Spirit should be the controlling influence in a Spirit-filled believer's life.
This means that when you're truly filled with the Spirit, you're no longer the one calling the shots. Your natural reactions, your emotional responses, and your daily choices are all influenced and guided by God's Spirit within you. This isn't about losing your personality or becoming a robot - it's about allowing God's character to shine through your unique personality.
Here's the beautiful truth: all the spiritual power you have is borrowed from God. You don't generate it yourself, and you can't manufacture it through good intentions or hard work. Every moment of spiritual victory, every act of love that goes against your natural inclination, every word of encouragement you speak - it all comes from God's power working through you.
This should be incredibly freeing! You don't have to muster up the strength to be a good Christian. You don't have to fake spiritual maturity or pretend you have it all together. You simply need to surrender control and let God's Spirit do what only He can do through you.
Bible Verse
'What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?' - 1 Corinthians 4:7
Reflection Question
What would change in your daily life if you truly believed that all your spiritual power comes from God and not from your own efforts?
Prayer
Father, I acknowledge that all my spiritual power comes from You. Help me stop trying to generate spiritual strength on my own and instead learn to depend completely on Your Spirit. Take control of my thoughts, emotions, and actions today. Amen.