Honest Thoughts from a Pastor

Surrender is a buzzword in the Christian community. The reality is that we who profess Christ as personal Savior talk more about surrender than we actually do it. We talk about how God is able, but our actions give little to no evidence.

We are a generation that has to prove something. We’re proving something, alright! In our busyness, we accomplish little. We are trying to prove to the world that we are putting forth an effort. It is true that there is an element of work we must do, but there is also an element that is out of our hands. We have been taught that if we don’t produce results, then we are failures. When others are involved, we can’t force their reactions and responses. Ultimately, there is One who is able to take our feeble efforts and change the most impossible hearts. There is One who can make a way out of no way and make crooked paths straight. He is the God of Heaven, and anyone can have a personal relationship with Him through Christ.

I was reminded this morning of how much I stress over producing results and making things happen. As I was listening to a worship service from a church in Virginia, I heard these lyrics of the song “Better Than I Thought.” I will leave you with those. Maybe this needs to be your song.

… Speak to me
When the silence steals my voice
You understand me
You understand me…

Come to me
In the valley of unknowns
You understand me
You understand me, God

So I throw all my cares before You
My doubts and fears don’t scare You
You’re bigger than I thought You were
You’re bigger than I thought
I stop all negotiations
With the God of all creation
You’re bigger than I thought You were
You’re bigger than I thought You were… So much bigger than I thought
You’re bigger than I thought You were…

I believe
But help my unbelief
You understand me
You understand me…

Help me reach
The faith that’s underneath
You understand me
You understand me
Yes, You understand me, God
You understand me

I throw all my cares before You
My doubts and fears don’t scare You
You’re bigger than I thought You were
You’re bigger than I thought
I stop all negotiations
With the God of all creation
You’re bigger than I thought You were
You’re bigger than I thought You were

I will rest in the Father’s hands
Leave the rest in the Father’s hands

So I throw all my cares before You
My doubts and fears don’t scare You
You’re bigger than I thought You were
You’re bigger than I thought
I stop all negotiations
With the God of all creation
You’re bigger than I thought You were
You’re bigger than I thought
You’re so much bigger than I thought You were