Waving the White Flag

I loved this chapter. I love her illustrations. At first, on page 54, when she states, " the person who has never acknowledged Christ's right to rule over his life has no basis for assurance of salvation", I was concerned. I, like many, prayed that prayer at a young age of 9. I had no idea the depth of full commitment. It was many many years down the road that God brought people into my life that would open my eyes to see the abundant life and opportunities that could be mine if I'd see Him as Lord of my life, not just a way to avoid Hell. I had a flash and mental picture of the Family Circle cartoon. Where the little boy walks in the door and is headed to his room. It should have only taken several steps, but by following the dotted tracks in the cartoon, he must have traveled half a mile with all the detours and sidetracking. I have realized I am easily distracted and tend to get off track. But by staying in His Word, focused on His Will, conscious of His ever presence life is more direct. As I continued to read, Nancy states that as our faith matures, we have a fresh affirmation and expression of that initial surrender. The first bullet point of page 57 hit me square in the eyes. I wish I could say I did better this past week. I didn't....blew it on Sunday. But...as Bonnie said in her comment, because of being in His Word, expressing the desire to walk closer to Him, I can feel my hand firmly planted in His so that when He needs to gently TUG me in the right direction, I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and feel the urge to hold on tighter. I have a prayer from Chuck Swindoll that Roger Wisdom shared with us several years ago. A prayer for you to pray daily, committing yourself and all that happens that day to God. I'm excited about spending time with God and writing my own daily prayer of commitment and surrender.