God Makes it Possible: Let Go of the Reins - Living Free - December 23

God Makes it Possible: Let Go of the Reins

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Today's Scripture
"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him." Romans 12:1 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Through the years before Jesus died on the cross, God called the Israelites to offer animals as sacrifices for their sin. These sacrifices were offered repeatedly at regular time intervals. Then Jesus came and gave his own life on the cross to pay the ultimate everlasting sacrifice for our sins. (Hebrews 9:11-14)

We no longer have to offer sin sacrifices. When we accept Jesus as our Savior and make him Lord of our lives, our sins are forgiven and Jesus clothes us in his righteousness. But he does call us to be a living sacrifice by surrendering our lives to him. He wants us to turn control over to his care. He views our total submission as worship.

Consider this …
Most of us like to feel in control. The thought of turning control over to someone else, even God, might seem frightening—or just unappealing. What we need to remember is that God is a merciful and compassionate God. He wants what is best for us—and only he knows what that really is. He is all-knowing and all-powerful. We aren't. How much better to submit to his control, to trust his plan, than to stick to our "I can do it myself" attitude.

Are you struggling with a temptation … a problem … a challenge right now? Are you willing to turn it over to God, submitting completely to his plan?

Prayer
Father, I thank you for Jesus. I thank you that my sins are forgiven. I have committed my life to you … and claim to make you Lord … but so many times I try to take control again. I know this shows a lack of trust in you. Please forgive me. May my body—all that I am—be a living sacrifice to you. In Jesus' name …

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©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org