“Surrendered and surrounded, we stay grounded.”- Judah Smith
“But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door of effectiveness has opened to me . . .”- 1 Corinthians 16:9
Judah Smith concludes Chapter 7 of How’s Your Soul? by discussing two major elements of an effective life. The apostle Paul outlined these elements in 1 Corinthians 16:5-9.
1. A surrendered life. Paul depended on God’s will, not his own. As a result, Paul lived a surrendered life on a daily basis. Surrender described the rhythm of his life. In other words, Paul yielded his schedule, decisions, destinations, and directions to God.
First and foremost, then, an effective live is a surrendered life. In addition, Pastor Smith sees surrender as the safest place to live, rather than a sacrifice we must make. With God leading, there’s no pressure on us. Surrender describes a safe and beautiful place to live.
2. A surrounded life. Although a surrendered life is safe and beautiful, we must intentionally demonstrate the wisdom to remain grounded. Grounded in surrender, we see a second element of an effective life- an element as important as the first.
In 1 Corinthians 16:9, Paul talks about “a wide door for effective work.” For that to happen, Paul need a community of believers.
In conclusion, Judah blends the two elements of an effective life:
“First, yield to God, your Creator and your Father. Turn over control of your ways and your days to him. And second, receive from the community that God puts around you. It’s that simple. Stay surrendered and stay grounded.”
Furthermore, Christian friends offer words of encouragement, silent support in difficult times, and godly counsel.
Today’s question: What committed Christian friends help you stay surrounded and surrendered? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the new Short Meditation: “When God’s enough, there’s grace enough”
