A Joy Found in Surrender

“Godliness with contentment is great gain … And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6, 8).

When a believer chooses to go deeper with God and live a fully surrendered life, he most likely will encounter hardship. He might even experience being knocked off his high horse, which literally happened to the apostle Paul (also called Saul). He was going on his self-assured way, riding toward Damascus, when a blinding light came from heaven. Knocked to the ground, he heard a voice from heaven saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4).

These words took Paul back to an event months before when he had stood by as Stephen was stoned. Since then, he had endured long nights of turmoil, plagued with unrest and confusion, because he had seen something that shook him to the core — Stephen’s face while facing death. His countenance was heavenly, filled with a holy presence, and his words held great power as he proclaimed, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God! … Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:56, 59). This humble man clearly had no fear of death.

Paul, this most devoted of Pharisees, realized Stephen possessed something he didn’t — something that was missing in his own life. Now, knocked to the ground, he cried out, “Who are You, Lord” and Jesus said to him, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (9:5). At that moment, Paul had a supernatural revelation and thus began his miraculous transformation into becoming a devoted follower of Jesus and “a chosen vessel” (9:15).   

Take note of this scene. Here is the pattern for the surrendered life. When you decide to go deeper with Christ, God will put a Stephen in your path. He'll confront you with someone whose countenance shines with Jesus. This person isn't interested in the things of the world. He doesn't care about the applause of men. He cares only about pleasing the Lord. And his life will expose your complacency and compromise, deeply convicting you.

May your heart be like Paul’s as you seek surrender and give back to Jesus the life he has granted you.