Total Surrender

By Tebogo Maimane

Total Surrender is aimed firstly at motivating people to be authentic in their relationship with God. Secondly it is to cheer up followers of Jesus Christ so that they do not allow circumstances to dissuade them from this relationship.
At the end of reading this book the reader will be challenged on matters pertaining to faith , will be empowered to grow spiritually and will be enthusiastic about putting God as a priority.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tebogo Maimane
• Release date: Mar 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370456185

Tebogo Maimane

Tebogo Maimane is based in South Africa. My first book was published in 2012. I am passionate about being an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ. My key interests are in social justice and cross cultural ministry. Qualifications: Bachelor in Commerce Advance certificate in taxation Certificate in Development Programme in Labour Relations Certificate in Missions Development Programme Certificate in Biblical Studies Certificate in Women in Ministry

Book preview

Total Surrender

Tebogo Maimane

Contents

Foreword

Chapter 1: Journeying into the Unknown

Chapter 2: Secluded for a Purpose

Chapter 3: Be Anchored in Faith

Chapter 4: Hold on to the Vision

Chapter 5: Challenges, Trials, and Tribulations

Chapter 6: Choose God-Ordained Experiences

Chapter 7: Questioning Our Faith

Chapter 8: Waiting on God

Chapter 9: Experience Your Miracle

Chapter 10: Trust God

Foreword

Life is beautiful; it is also a mystery in which every person has to have his or her own journey. There may be similarities along the way, but since we are created as unique beings, we each have a path outlined for us to follow or discover.

Total surrender means to submit to God’s way and his will. To live a lifestyle of total surrender is to embrace that there will be moments when we have to take a step of faith and journey into the unknown. This road will lead to various seasons of trials, challenges, and joyous moments; however, despite the seasons, one needs to remain anchored in faith and hold on to the God-given vision. Let us be motivated by knowing that as long as one makes God-ordained choices, wait upon him, keep on being attached to the vine (Jesus), then reaching the promised land and experiencing miracles are guaranteed.

The intention of this book is to shine a light in someone’s corner. By paging through this book, I hope they will be motivated to hold on and be brave in every season so that they can reach their potential and fulfil their destiny. With the paraphrased words from a song by Jason Crabb, remember that

‘God of the mountain is still the same God in the valley, God of the midday is still God in the night’.

Furthermore, Malachi 3: 6 says

‘I am the Lord, I do not change’.

At the end of the book, I hope every reader would be spiritually empowered.

Chapter 1

Journeying into the Unknown

Life is a gift which we should neither take for granted nor deal with recklessly but rather treasure every moment of it. However, as precious as life is, it has plenty of crossroads which we encounter as we grow and mature. These crossroads are a place where a person needs to take stock of their life, make an introspection, and make decisions that are aimed at his or her betterment. In most cases, it requires a person to change certain things pertaining to how their life functions. This usually includes things, such as a change in ideologies, thought patterns, routine, and habits. As we grow up, there are habits, ideologies, and mannerisms that we might have picked up, which are not necessarily to our best interests; thus, crossroad moments allow us the opportunity to explore our inner core and value system.

Restructuring and transforming our lives is truly not a simple task, and most people become resistant because change is not easy. Various factors play a role in why people are resistant to change, one of them being fear of the unknown. The fact of the matter is that life is made up of components of the unknown. Though we may have routines and habits which may make us think we are in charge, the truth of the matter is that no one has total control of what happens in their lives. What we all have, however, is total control over the choices we make.

No one knows what their tomorrow holds; it is only he who has created the universe who has total control over every dimension of our lives. So as we take the journey of life does it not make perfect sense to partner with him who has total control? As an individual, one may not know what tomorrow holds, but when we have the companion of the one who is in charge of tomorrow, then life promises to be a joy ride, just like a rollercoaster which has ups and downs yet blissful; such is life lived with the consciousness of God. The God I refer to is not the universe. He is higher than the universe because he created the universe. The God I refer to is the triune God, who is God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Surrender the Desire

Proverbs 19:21 says

‘many are the plans in a man’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails’.

Yes, it is vital to plan yet as we do, so let it be known in our heart that the purpose of God for our lives supersedes our individual desires. It is also written in John 15: 7 that

‘if you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you’.

This means there is a qualification before we ask what we desire. The prerequisite is that the word of God should be in us and also our lives be in him. When we invest time to seek God by reading his word, it is to our advantage; it helps us as individuals so that the things we aspire will be aligned to his will and purpose for our lives. God has promised to give us the desires of our hearts. However, our shortfall as people is that we have a tendency to fall of the track by having desires that are not aligned to our purpose. We learn this from Jesus. He had to make choices whether to succumb to the pressure and desire of the flesh or to uphold the purpose of God. During the time he was praying in the garden of Gethsemane,

‘My Father if it is possible may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will but as You will’. His desire was for the cup which was before him to be removed, but the purpose for which God sent him into earth was for him to be crucified so that all mankind may be redeemed and reconciled back to God in accordance with the original plan of creation. The purpose of God takes priority over our individual desires.

Through this example what can best be derived from this is that in all things that God expects from us, he has already shown us the model in which it is to be done. The model is that we should surrender our desire in order for the bigger picture to be fulfilled, to surrender our desire so that the purpose of God can be done through our lives. Our desires are mostly for personal gain whereas God’s purpose benefits more than one person as in the case of Jesus the act of surrendering his desire resulted in a benefit that is available for everyone who wishes the gift of eternal life. When we believe that Jesus died for our sins, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and is coming again, we receive the gift of God, which is eternal life. This is why I say the benefit of Jesus’ obedience to the will of the Father is eternal. 1 Peter 2:24 says,

‘Jesus personally carried away our