January 6: The Beauty of Yielding

Key Text: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service - Romans 12:1.

Whenever I’m running late, it feels like the road conspires against me:

• The learner driver
• The unexpected traffic
• The slow or distracted driver
• The road work

These delays are unexpected obstacles to my progress. Yet, there are other things along my route that were intentionally placed by the National Roads Authority:

• Traffic lights
• Intersections
• Roundabouts

At first glance, these seem like hindrances—especially when I’m in a rush. But although they appear to cause delays, when used correctly they bring order, prevent chaos, and keep everyone safe.

Along the journey of life, God has placed traffic lights, intersections, and opportunities for us to turn around or head in another direction. He has created moments for us to pause and reflect. Although we often see these pauses as burdens, if we look at the bigger picture, we will see that God’s design is for our benefit. When we want to rush ahead, He says, Stop. When we are heading our own way, too focused on ourselves, He places an intersection so we can pause and allow others to pass. When we are going in the wrong direction, He says, Take the roundabout.

In Romans 12:1, Paul pleads with believers to present themselves as a living sacrifice. The word “sacrifice” already tells us this will not be easy. A sacrifice means withholding from myself what I naturally want. When my body says, Sleep in, I will wake up and have my personal devotion. When I want to spend time scrolling in the morning, I will open my Bible to His Word. When I want to skip past the weekly stop sign of the Sabbath, I will remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. Even when life gets busy, I will still find time to yield daily to His small voice.

God doesn’t want what’s left over—that’s not a living sacrifice. He wants your best:

• Your best time
• Your best effort
• The best you

Are there areas in your life that you need to yield to God’s commands? Why are you fighting? God has the road map to a successful life, and He has placed the road signs there for your safety. Let things pass you by while you pause daily to spend time in His Word. When it’s your time to go, God will clear the path. Like Paul, I encourage you to pause and give God your best; then you will see the beauty of yielding to His will.

Prayer:
Lord, teach me to yield. Help me to see Your pauses not as burdens but as blessings. I surrender my time, my plans, and my heart to You. Amen.

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