Syrupy Submission?  No way!

By Mary Skoglie

What do we think of when we think of submission?  Do we think of syrupy, sappy little mice?  I used to.  Not anymore.  The Bible gives many examples of people who submitted--and among them, I don't see enough syrup for a stack of pancakes! 

Let's start with my favorite woman of the Bible, Deborah.  Talk about your unconventional way of life!  She was a judge in a patriarchal society, a miracle from God in itself.  And when God called her to lead an army in battle, she could have said "But I'm a woman--I can't."  Already, however, her unconventional lifestyle was preparing her to say "Yes, Lord" and the rest is history.  She did what surely shocked the nation of Israel.  She was a strong woman.  Strong enough to submit to God's leading.

Then there's Moses.  Oh my!  In order to submit to God's call for his life, he first had to face the Pharoah--many times!  And it didn't get any more pleasant with practice!  Then he led the people--a complaining, miserable people--out of the land of Egypt and through the desert for the next 40 years.  Think THAT was easy?!  Yet he said yes to God, although it took a bit of divine prodding.  He gave up the easy life he had and said "Yes, Lord.”  It took a man of incredible strength to do such a thing.  He was no mouse.  He obeyed the Lord's call.

Then there is Paul--wow!  In order to live out God's will for his life, he had to be subjected to countless beatings and ridicule, and people who didn't trust him because of his former lifestyle.  Paul was one of the toughest men of his time--and submissive to the Lord. 

Finally, I give the greatest example of all of a Man submissive to the Father's will--Jesus Christ, Son of God.  In obeying his Father, He went from Heaven to earth, for starters!  Talk about a demotion!  Then lived among men and endured much from the Pharisees and many others.  Then, in the ultimate act of submission, He went to the cross.  He bore our sins upon Himself, not to mention the physical and emotional torture!  He was the ultimate in strong!  And He said the ultimate "Yes, Lord,” above us all.  It is because of His submission to God we can be free today.

I used to think submission meant wimpy and syrupy.  No more.  May I be strong enough to submit my will to God's today, in whatever ways He calls me to.  Yes indeed, Lord.

Mary Skoglie writes from Medford, Oregon.