Can I ask you a question? I hope you answered a wholehearted “yes” (LOL). Okay, here goes and seriously speaking… “Do you want God’s best?” I would think that it didn’t take long at all for you to answer that question. I mean, who wouldn’t want God’s best, right? Right. Yet, I’ve discovered over the years, that in order to receive God’s best it does entail…a sign of surrender with a heart of contentment.

Many of us know that being content is not easy, especially when we have a desire for more. For example, we want more clothes, money, a nice house or car, a better job, a ministry, etc. But without contentment (which means being happy enough with what you have or who you are and satisfied), we can’t obtain what God truly has for us until we get to a place of surrender.  

I’ll never forget the day when I met an amazing angel, who was in the form of an older wise woman at a Christian women’s event that I attended. As we were both sipping coffee and snacking on some treats, she leaned over to me and said, “You know, sometimes we settle for good, when God wants to give us His best.” I was stuck after that statement, because at the time I was in the process of starting my ministry. Yet in so many words, I felt like God was whispering to me, “Wait for Me…I’ve got better things in store for you, but you’ll have to surrender this to Me now.” At the time I was conducting a community-wide monthly women's gathering, and I knew that it would be tough for me to let it go. Nonetheless, I heeded His instruction and I shut it down. Why? Because I want God's best. And when I let my way die, the Lord opened the door to start a blog (which I'd never done before, and I'm loving it!). This is God's way...  

As I write this, I’m reminded of a Scripture that my pastor’s wife gave me in John 12:24, “The truth is, a kernel of wheat must be planted in the soil. Unless it dies, it will be alone-a single seed. But its death will produce many new kernels.” This is a Selah moment (pause and consider). The truth is, sometimes we have to let some dreams or goals die before it can be resurrected to do greater works. God said through Isaiah 55:8, " For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." And 1 Peter 5:6 says, "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." This is His word. We just have to trust that our Father knows best, and that He's working it all out for our good!    

I want to stop here and ask you this, “Are there some things in your life that you know in your heart that you need to surrender or be more content?” Or do you know someone who needs to take this step? Either way, it is a choice…a choice to be content right where God has you until He opens the door that no man can shut. Listen my sister, no matter where you are at this point in your life, I want to encourage you to trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. (Proverbs 3:5-6). I've found through experience that God moves mightily when we have a heart of contentment!  Key Scripture - "Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:6)

Surrender all today!    

Remember, Jesus is coming soon. Let’s get ready from the inside out!

~Courtnaye  

*(Recommended book, "Surrender All" by Joni Lamb - Great book on purpose and destiny! Check bookstores or www.amazon.com).

Thanks for reading! I pray that God will continue to enlighten you to live for Him through His word in your daily life. Stay tuned for new blog posts every Monday at 7:30am on Inside Out with Courtnaye. You can see previous blogs on my website by visiting www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org or receive it by “Liking” my Facebook page by clicking here http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inside-Out-with-Courtnaye/202095829824129#!/pages/Inside-Out-with-Courtnaye/202095829824129. Also, follow me on Twitter by inoutwcourtnaye. Thanks again![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]