So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsake not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:33
Judson Van DeVenter could not find direction. Born on this day in 1855, Van DeVenter taught art after attending college. Yet, failing to find satisfaction, he wondered if God wanted him to go into full-time evangelistic work. He struggled and prayed about this issue.
Finally, he decided that the only way to have peace was to surrender his life anew to Jesus. He documented his decision in a song called “I Surrender All.” He wrote, “All to Jesus, I surrender; all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live.”
He humbly bowed at Jesus’ feet, ready to forsake “worldly pleasures.” He asked Jesus to make him “wholly Thine.” He longed to feel the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. He told Him, “Lord, I give myself to Thee; fill me with Thy love and power; let Thy blessing fall on me.”
With this surrender, “a new day was ushered into [his] life.” He found direction and peace by obeying Jesus’ command to leave everything else behind. He had surrendered all.
Do you have struggles? Do you face decisions about your future? You can find answers by surrendering your life to Jesus. Submit your plans and ambitions to Him. Seek His will, not your own. In absolute surrender, you will find perfect peace. He will guide you and give you fulfillment and satisfaction. Don’t wait! Do it right now! Surrender your life to God. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit and use you for His kingdom.