Join God

The answer is never striving, it’s always surrender

Join God is the first of The 7 Resolutions because it is the absolute foundation for all of Christian life. If we don’t partner with God we cannot experience His power, and without His power we are powerless.

Paul asks the Galatians:

“Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” (3:2-3)

Unfortunately, I know from experience that knowing what is true and living out the truth are not the same thing. During the time of King Ahab, the people of Israel knew who God was. Sadly, many decided to trade a relationship with the God of the universe for idols made by their own hands. Because of this, God sent a drought to punish His people. But in his grace God also sent the prophet Elijah to clearly demonstrate the difference between self-effort and His power.

“And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.” (1 Kings 18:21) 

The plan was simple. Two bulls. Two altars. 450 priests of Baal on one side, a single prophet of the LORD on the other. The god who answers their prayers with fire is the true living God.

The prophets of Baal tried their best. They called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” (1 Kings 18:26). When that didn’t work they became more desperate and started cutting themselves with their swords, attempting to appease Baal with their blood. Of course, no matter what they did, there would be no answer. 

You may recall how the story ends. Elijah called upon the name of the Lord, and He answered with fire. The prophets of Baal were put to death and rain once again returned to Israel.

It’s easy to ridicule the prophets of Baal for dancing in circles and mutilating themselves on behalf of a block of wood. But how much more ridiculous is it that we do something similar when we have the God of the universe ready to listen to our prayers? 

We strive to change bad habits in our own strength instead of humbling ourselves in prayer. We punish ourselves with self-loathing and self-destructive habits because of our feelings of unworthiness. We bargain with God, thinking that if we can offer a large enough sacrifice He’ll fill our lives with the earthly treasures we desire.

When we treat God like an idol to manipulate and profit from, we shouldn’t be surprised when we don’t experience His power in our lives. Just like God withheld rain from Israel, He will lovingly withhold His blessings from us. 

The answer is never striving, it’s always surrender. Anything less is idolatry. 

In his book The 7 Resolutions Karl writes

“God saved me twice. The first time He saved my soul. The second time He broke me free from the prison of performance—thinking I had something to prove, gain, or lose. I was trying to pull myself up. My soul was secure; it was striving in my strength to live the Christian life that was giving me fits. If Satan can’t keep us from going to heaven when we die, he certainly wants to keep us from living in God’s power until we die.” 

Is there an area in your life you need to Join God through surrender so that you can experience His power? 

Shawn

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