There are moments in my life when surrender to God feels more like a battlefield than a blessing, because laying down my own desires requires a depth of trust that challenges every part of my flesh. So many cry out for God to direct their steps, yet quietly hold onto the very things He is asking them to release. We often ask for deliverance while resisting the process God uses to refine, strengthen, and draw us nearer to Himself. True surrender is not simply spoken in seasons of comfort, but proven in seasons of pain, uncertainty, and waiting. It is in those difficult moments that faith ceases to be mere words and becomes a living sacrifice poured out before the Lord in complete dependence upon Him. I believe that pride and selfishness are the reasons the world today has gotten to the point where many say the words “My will not God’s be done” instead of  “God’s Will not mine be Done.” Most don’t comprehend or have the confidence that Father really does know best. As I look around, especially in the church, there are many who are complacent about the situation they are in, not concerned about the consequences that will follow by their behavior. The general thought that God has something better if they only completely surrender to His will in thought, purpose, and action isn’t real to them. I have heard people make statements about certain challenges and choices in their lives, and when I ask if they have fervently prayed about it, their response is generally “No” and the reason behind their response is simple, because even if God told them to do something specific they wouldn’t do it anyway. For me, I speak the words “God’s Will not mine be Done” mostly in my times of trial and hardship, which lately seems like a regular occurrence. I am humbled as I look at the words of the Lord Jesus prior to Him going to the cross written in  *Luke 22:42… “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup [of divine wrath] from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.”* and think what do I really have to complain about, but then, I still complain. There are battles I faced as a child that I still struggle with today, feelings of unworthiness, brokenness, loneliness, fear, anxiety, and addictive tendencies. I’ve asked God time and again to take these burdens from me, yet the thoughts, feelings, and emotions tied to them remain deeply rooted within me, sometimes crippling me to the point of paralysis. I have prayed fervently for God to take me out of my misery but then I pray more fervently over the words written in *2 Corinthians 12:8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; 9 but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.* There is a song by MercyMe entitled “Even If” that has brought peace into my life, to the very depths of my soul, in some of my most broken moments. A few of the lyrics are, “They say it only takes a little faith To move a mountain/Well good thing A little faith is all I have, right now/But God, when You choose To leave mountains unmovable/Oh give me the strength to be able to sing It is well with my soul”. My Friends, no matter what you are going through, I pray that you know that God is with you and will carry you through it all. The same God that is on the mountaintop, is the same God Who is in the valley. I have come to understand that I have become closer to God and seek His face more in the valley than I ever have on the mountaintop, because fruit is grown in the valley. In closing: No life is wasted when it is surrendered to Christ, and no tear falls unnoticed before the throne of God because our lives are always witnessed by an audience of One. In surrender, God is not merely removing our struggles, but reshaping our hearts to reflect Christ even while the struggle remains. The Lord is faithful even when our hearts are weary, and His promises remain unshaken regardless of what surrounds us. And in the waiting, He is not distant, but actively sustaining us with a grace that strengthens endurance until His purpose is complete. May we stand firm with unwavering conviction, declaring through every trial, every storm, and every unanswered prayer that Jesus Christ is still worthy of our trust, our surrender, and our praise. And may we all say with joy in whatever situation we are in, It Is Well With My Soul, in Jesus‘ precious and powerful name, Amen. 

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.