Surrendered
After thirteen events over ten years, the ministry team worked together like a dream. They executed the event plan with comfort and ease. We were prayed up, prepared, and ready to go.
But this conference was to be different. While each previous meeting was excellent, the sweet anticipation of what was to come this time almost took our breath. God was up to something special. We could feel it.
What was to make this day different from the dozen before it?
- It wasn’t in the planning, although months of planning preceded the “Surrendered in Christ” conference.
- It wasn’t in the worship, although the worship ushered us into the very presence of God.
- It wasn’t in the drama, although everyone in the room could relate to the topic and content.
- It wasn’t in the speakers, although each was fully prepared and delivered powerful messages.
- It wasn’t in the special vocalists, although the voices were never more angelic.
- It wasn’t in the venue, the food, or the beautiful decor, although all were near perfect.
The “success” of this conference had nothing to do with what people did or did not do. It wasn’t wonderful because of what we were able to accomplish. That day, God did what only He could do. He filled the room with His presence, touched the hearts of everyone in attendance, and changed lives for eternity. Praise the Lord!
The Journey
About a year ago, the team brainstormed, “What is the most significant spiritual challenge facing women?” One of our team members summarized it beautifully, “For me, it all boils down to surrendering to God and trusting Him.” Thus the theme was chosen, and our journey of surrender began. Surrender is not a word that typically gives a positive vibe, yet it is necessary for a life sold out to Christ.
For years I have longed to see a tremendous move of the Holy Spirit during our conferences. As we prepared for “Surrendered,” God was at work in all the details. He opened new door after new door as we planned.
I prayed for God to show me how we should handle the commitment time. He gave me His answer and a beautiful peek at what He planned for us that day: an altar full of women praying.
When God is in the Room
Throughout the day, I felt the sweetest peace in my heart. As over 300 women worshipped, listened, and prayed, God drew us to surrender the hard things to Him. During the commitment time, we encouraged each guest to write what God was calling them to surrender on a small, white rock and deposit it at the foot of the cross. As the Holy Spirit led, they did just that.
The sight of women lined up to deposit their burden at the foot of the cross will bring me joy forever. Seeing the altar full of women praying and seeking God makes my eyes tear and my heart sing. How could I begin to describe the joy the presence of God brings? What can compare to the sight of people accepting the unconditional love and presence of Jesus Christ?
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10)
That day we were challenged to surrender everything to Christ, trusting Him with the most challenging things. Many women did, and God blessed us all.
As I pray over the buckets and buckets of rocks representing very personal heartbreaks and personal surrender, I pray for each woman who attended the conference. May Jesus help her trust Him completely and allow Him to carry her burdens. We are His; praise God! Surrender rocks!
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs
“May the Lord be praised! Day after day He bears our burdens; God is our salvation. Selah.” (Psalm 68:19)
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you.” (Psalm 55:22a)
