Total Surrender in An Uncertain World. How to Know Peace! ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

Is there a way to know peace in an uncertain world like we live in today? We look around us. It appears evil wins every time and we wonder how? Has God forsaken us? Or have we failed Him so miserably that He must allow all this? Where can we rest our heads even for a moment? How are we to know of His peace and His joy when everywhere we turn evil and sickness abound. Certainly, many would call us foolish to even believe in God, much less surrender to His will. Yet, we are called to total surrender, even in an uncertain world, because therein we know peace. There amid the chaos our peace and joy shine forth to a world so desperately in need of Jesus. So, how do we know peace?

It comes through total surrender by faith to Him even in an uncertain world, just as Mary did so long ago.

Four hundred years passed since the last prophet Malachi had spoken. The world was filled with evil. Darkness prevailed, hope a distant word. Perhaps some remembered and clung to the promises hidden in Isaiah’s word.

“By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
In Galilee of the Gentiles.
²The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined. Isaiah (9: 1-2)

An Uncertain World filled with Darkness

At any rate, Gabriel’s announcement came at a very dark time in Israel’s history. The people were under Roman rule. Furthermore, even the city of Jerusalem was ruled by a political tyrant, Herod the great. His rule rivaled that of our most tyrannical communistic regimes todays. Murdering anyone who might get in the way of His power and position. Truly dark political times. Much like we see our world falling headlong into today.

Then there were the religious sects who spent more time bickering and seeking position, power and money than teaching the word of God. Although there were the devote silent ones also who dedicated them selves to prayer but ventured out little into the tumultuous world around them. David Shrock described these sects as:

Four groups in Israel sought and fought to lead the people. (1) The Pharisees resided in Jerusalem. They attempted to shape religious life in Israel through their traditions. Jesus had many run-ins with these legalistic Jews, who led astray the people of God (cf. Matt 23). (2) Sadducees opposed the strict legalism of the Pharisees, and only embraced Moses law (Gen-Deut). They rejected the resurrection, belief in angels, but still had a influential place in the temple and law courts. (3) The Essenes, who lived in a commune near Qumran–they were the scribes who penned and preserved theDead Sea Scrolls–lived an especially pure life. They devoted themselves to God, and prayed for God’s overthrow of Rome. (4) The Zealots were a band of brothers who did not pray for change so much as they sought violent means of overthrowing Roman rule.

The result of these four competing sects in Judaism led to constant friction, only increased by the oppressive rule of Rome. Riots were common. Tension was unceasing. Darkness permeated Judaism.[1]

Total Surrender

A very dark, evil uncertain world surrounded Mary when Gabriel came to tell her she was the one chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. No more than 13 or 14 years of age, from a very humble family. She was betrothed to Joseph, awaiting the time that he would have their home ready so they could consummate their marriage. A young virgin, shocked and frightened at first by the sight of Gabriel, now would say, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Did she not realize most would call for her to be stoned? Would anyone believe her? That is if she even told them. There were very few whom she would be allowed to share this joy with. Yet, at the time of her surrender to God’s plan, the world was truly very uncertain.

Yet, despite all, she was willing to totally surrender to God’s will. No matter what lay ahead!

What about us? When we look around us today and we see darkness invading. It appears that evil is winning. We pray and wait, wondering where God is in all of this. Yet, He calls us to peace through total surrender to His will. What if it is necessary for Christ’s return that all the world, including our country be plunged into utter darkness? Would that not be worth it? Can we not totally surrender to God’s plan even in an uncertain world? Yes, I long for His return; but if He needs me to fight on for one more revival—then let me surrender as well.

Mary perhaps did not know all she would have to bear-even watching her innocent son die such a cruel death-but hers was a total surrender to God’s will.

How to Know Peace in an Uncertain World

Remember, God is in Control. He will not share His Glory with anyone. His plan cannot be thwarted. He will accomplish all that He has planned.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

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How to Wait Patiently on God in The Storm

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2020
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.