God calls many to healing and purpose, but only those willing to surrender everything and follow Him wholeheartedly are truly usable. Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
Surrendering isn’t as hard as we often think. In fact, we’re better off surrendering to God than trying to live on our own terms, which often leads to confusion and lack of direction. Personally, I find it much easier to follow commands than to figure things out on my own.
Surrender takes away the stress of trying to make every decision. Think about it, being a child is much simpler than being an adult. Sometimes, I even wish I could be a kid again! Children don’t worry about anything; they simply trust their parents, who make all the decisions, down to the smallest detail, like where to sleep!
If you can develop the habit of asking God about everything, you’ve learned the art of surrendering to God. Even Jesus recognized that life and ministry are much easier when He simply does as He sees the Father do. John 5:19.
Don’t Look Back
To “look back” is not some mystical or abstract concept. It means prioritizing your desires over God’s will. Each time you return to sin, hesitate in obedience, or allow fear and personal ambition to hold you back, you’re looking back.
Every time you bury the ‘talent’ or gift God has given you, you are essentially looking back. Will you truly be surprised if it seems like He has taken that one talent and given it to someone else, especially when you see that person executing the very things you once imagined doing? Meanwhile, those dreams and ideas remain locked away in your journal, perhaps never to see the light of day.
Remember the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:21-22?
Jesus asked him to sell his possessions and follow Him, but his love for wealth outweighed his willingness to surrender. In contrast, the disciples left everything to follow Jesus. Their commitment, not perfection, made them usable.
The disciples Simon Peter, Andrew, his brother, James, and John exemplify what it means to leave it all, answer the call without hesitation, and follow without second-guessing. When Jesus called them, they immediately left their boats and nets to follow Him. (Matthew 4:18-22)
These men weren’t saints or perfect by human standards. They had their flaws and weaknesses, yet they were mightily used by God because of their complete surrender. Their willingness to forsake everything they knew and trust Jesus wholeheartedly opened the door for them to become vessels of honor in His hands.
Being fit for God’s work requires focus, surrender, and obedience, even when it’s uncomfortable. Paul said in Philippians 3:13-14: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”.
