“We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead.”2 Corinthians 1:9 (TLB)
At some point in life, you’ll find yourself in need of help. When that time comes, you first need to admit that you need help. And then you need to ask God for that help. In other words, move from “I need help” to “God, help me!”
When Paul, one of the greatest men of faith, hit rock bottom, that’s what he did. In the Living Bible paraphrase, Paul says, “We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9).
Think about that. If God can raise a dead person, then he also can raise a dead marriage, a dead career, a dead dream, or a dead hope. He specializes in turning crucifixions into resurrections. God can do miracles when we hand everything over to him.
Notice that Paul said, “We put everything into the hands of God.” Everything! This is total surrender. It’s not just saying, “God, fix my finances,” or “God, fix my relationships.” It’s giving him every part of your life—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Have you ever fully surrendered like that? Have you come to a point where you say, “God, I give you my entire life—my joys, my pains, my victories, and my failures”?
As a friend, let me warn you: Don’t wait until you hit bottom. Don’t let life force you into surrender.
There’s an easy way and a hard way to change. The easy way is to see the light; the hard way is to feel the heat. Unfortunately, most of us resist change until the pain becomes unbearable. Don’t wait for everything to fall apart before you ask God for help.
The Message paraphrase of the Bible says it this way: “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule” (Matthew 5:3).When you finally let go, God steps in.
So here’s the process: First, admit you need help. Next, humbly ask God to take over. Then hand it all over—your problems, your pride, your pain—and watch how he can transform your life.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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