December 16

Written by Bill Grandi on December 16th, 2018

It’s futile to try to establish my own sovereignty. People don’t want me as their king, and God won’t forsake His holy throne.

“Father, twice (and maybe more) you have spared my life. In November of ’16 a hit-n-run driver hit me while riding my bike and left me sprawling on the pavement. In February of ’17 I had a horrendous accident that to this day I don’t know what happened. No helmet = no life. But you  woke me from my spiritual stupor.  Now once again I find myself  in a state of stagnation.

I’m trying to figure out why. I’m still reading NMM. I still reading your Word (even though it’s in the OT). I’m still trying to journal daily. But I’m struggling. I’ve been wondering what it is. Maybe today’s NMM hit the nail on the head.

  • Have I been trying to be the king?
  • Have I been trying to be the sovereign?
  • Have I been trying to take back ownership of my life?
  • Have I been trying to wrestle back control of my life I had so willingly given to you in 2017?
  • Have I been putting up an appearance of godliness and surrender for it to only be that-an appearance, a pretense?

Lord, you have convicted me of my desire for control. Now that you have done that, help me now to surrender that control to you and find rest in you. Help me to let you be my ruler, my sovereign, and to take my hands off my own life and give you control. Amen.”

 

8 Comments so far ↓

  1. I think it’s natural to want control in our lives and unnatural to give it up. Only God can help us to surrender fully to Him.
    Blessings, Bill, and praying for you!

  2. Crystal says:

    Interesting how today’s NMM devotional was on surrender! Just this week have been aware again that I’ve been “fighting” life’s battles as if I’m “solo” and “it’s up to me” – but that’s so wrong! Rather it seems “winning” is more about “surrender”. Puts things in perspective the way Martha stated it – even to be surrendered is an act of His Grace, and is completely unnatural from a human perspective. I need His Grace to lead me to full surrender – cause otherwise it can’t happen! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on NMM this morning (and always)

    • Bill Grandi says:

      When we are in the middle of a battle it is normal to feel we are fighting alone. His grace is always there.

  3. floyd samons says:

    You’re not alone in this fight against the flesh, brother.

  4. Ryan S says:

    Coming late to the party this evening. Had a very busy and early morning and Amanda, Aleah and I went to catch a movie this evening.

    Back home and I have committed to journaling my thoughts daily now.

    They are often not much more than a review of my previous day and/or current day… my thoughts on the devotion… and my current prayers.
    Bill, I’ll be adding your spiritual stagnation to my list.

    I have ups and downs as well. I think control is key in most everyone’s life. The important thing is that it is recognized and a course correction made. Thankfully, my stents of downs seem to be shorter and less often.

    For to many years I was complacent and satisfied with simply doing the day to day. I was satisfied with trying to be in control and trying to control enough of the situations around me (or so I thought) that things worked out the way I wanted them to.

    Now I strive to release as much control as possible. I strive to give as much as I can to God. There is so much more I need to release control of.

    Bill, I’ll be praying for you specifically. I’ll be praying that God provide a rejuvenation in your spirit that will bring joy, peace, and a contagious excitement about what He is doing in and through you. Know that what you do is making a difference in the lives of those around you… (both physically and electronically)

    Ryan S.