“Every one who is saved must surrender his own plans, his ambitious schemes, which mean self-glorification, and follow where Christ leads the way…It is hard for self to die daily, even when the wondrous story of God’s grace is presented with the wealth of His love, which He unfolds to the soul’s necessity…We need to enter into His will and carry out His purposes, saying with the whole heart, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” This Day With God page 64.
The passage provided several important spiritual lessons and insights:
- Surrendering One’s Own Plans: The passage highlights the idea that salvation and spiritual growth require individuals to surrender their own plans and ambitions. This means letting go of self-centered goals and desires that focus on self-glorification. Instead, it encourages individuals to align their lives with a higher purpose.
- Following Christ’s Lead: The text underscores the importance of following the path that Christ leads. This suggests that true salvation involves not only surrendering one’s own plans but also actively following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. It implies a willingness to submit to God’s guidance and direction.
- The Daily Struggle: The passage acknowledges that it can be challenging for individuals to let go of their own desires and ambitions on a daily basis. This underscores the idea that living a life of faith and obedience is an ongoing process that requires constant effort and commitment.
- God’s Grace and Love: The text mentions the “wondrous story of God’s grace” and the “wealth of His love.” This suggests that the motivation for surrendering one’s own plans and following Christ comes from an understanding of God’s incredible love and the grace that He offers to humanity. It implies that this awareness should inspire and sustain one’s journey of faith.
- Seeking God’s Will: The passage encourages individuals to seek and carry out God’s purposes in their lives. This reflects the idea that true fulfillment and purpose are found in aligning one’s life with God’s will rather than pursuing selfish ambitions.
- Submission and Whole-Hearted Devotion: The passage ends with the call to submit to God’s will wholeheartedly, asking, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” This exemplifies the attitude of humility and obedience that is necessary for spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.
Overall, this passage highlights the spiritual journey of surrender, obedience, and alignment with God’s will, with a strong emphasis on the transformative power of God’s grace and love in motivating and sustaining this journey. It encourages individuals to continuously seek and follow the path that Christ leads, recognizing that it may require daily sacrifices and a wholehearted commitment to God’s purposes.
