My first simple lesson on submission
I’m sure I’ve previously mentioned that my mother was a prominent source of inspiration in regards to living the spiritual life. There was a special grace upon her life when it came to serving and ministering to others. But because I had the privilege of spending so much of my time by her side, I witnessed her lifestyle beyond the public eye. One of such distinctions was a strong devotional life, or dedicated time spent in the word and prayer.
Often when trials came my way, I possessed a strong desire to do likewise. I attempted to establish routine devoted time in prayer and the word yet only was able to maintain it for a very short while. The busyness of pursuing my career, domestic chores, and leisure activities choked out all the benefit I could have received had I been faithful. I had the desire, but failed on multiple attempts to carry it out.
… for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. (Ro. 7:18 NKJV)
You see, my attempts to perform it were dependent upon my own strength. I was counting on myself to complete it.
Recently I shared a conversation with someone claiming to have the same struggle. They also admit possessing a strong desire to spend quality time with the Lord but also confessed having lack of motivation. “How do you find the self-control to do it?”, they asked.
Self-control is a fruit of the spirit therefore only comes with spiritual maturity and a steady relationship of abiding in the word. Therefore, I definitely wasn’t able to accomplish it possessing self-control because I didn’t have it at the time (see Gal:22-23).
The loose translation of the word submission is yielding to someone higher in authority, or giving in.
It wasn’t long before God began orchestrating my circumstances so that the opportunity was set right before me. Only now as I look back do I see his hand upon it. It just so happened that I had a baby and went on maternity leave. Most of my daily activities and responsibilities were put on pause. The baby had a routine wake-up regime at about 5 am, I was already up therefore decided it was a good time to just spend in quiet reading and meditating on what I read. This sacred time and place became so sweet to my soul that I craved the next morning so I can do it again.
I still often ask God to help me to maintain it. There were times when the baby didn’t get me up, and the sweetness of morning sleep made it challenging. Those times I am convinced I heard somewhere deep within, the quiet whisper of a voice calling my name. It reminded me of the gentle voice of my mother waking me up when I was a child. I never regret responding to that call.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (Phil. 2:13 NLT)
Since, every desire he put in my heart I have learned to lean on him to perform it.
I am also reminded of a personal account my sister-in-law recently shared on her Instagram page. She too possessed a strong desire to wake up early and spend time in solitude. She made a bargain with God, that went like “If you wake me up, I will get up”. Well, she woke up right at the time she had bargained for, but her sleep was so sweet that she went right back to sleep. Shortly after little birds began tapping at her window. Every time she got up to scare them away, they came right back. (I’m convinced it’s the new wood shutters they recently put up 😊) Regardless, she reports having the sweetest morning in prayer and Bible study that day.
…I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. (1 Cor. 15:10)
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (John 15:4 KJV)
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