Refuse To Surrender

People who have made remarkable impact in this present day and even in the time past are people who refused to surrender. Among our predecessors in Christendom, Job, Joshua and few others were recognised, standing for what they believed in. They were not the only ones that existed in their days, but they are being given reference today because they refused to surrender, even when it seemed that all hope was lost.

Today, Christians often refer to Joshua but fail to realise that Joshua actually strived to attain that height. Caleb and Joshua were among other young men to spy the Promised Land. The two of them came back with fruits and good report, encouraging the congregation, while others came back with a bad report, claiming that the land devoured its inhabitants and that the people of the land were giants who saw them as grasshoppers.

The conspiracy by the other young men would have ordinary demoralised Caleb and Joshua, but they were not moved. It was so tough that the congregation started stoning them, yet they did not give up; instead, they were more confident.

Only rebel not ye against the lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them and the lord is with us, fear them not. (Numbers 14:9-10)

Joshua refused to quit when others were quitting; he ignored the giants and concentrated on the milk and honey. While others were busy apportioning blames, Joshua said that though the giants might be on the way to hinder the sojourners, he would refuse to surrender.

If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come. (Job 14:14).

Do we still have men like Job and Joshua or women like Esther in this generation? In spite of all that Job went through, advice and pressure from his friends to curse God, he stood firm. His wife, who was expected to be his companion, equally urged him to curse God, yet Job stood his ground.

A man who is determined to make a difference does not give up. To achieve this, one need to imbibe faith and focus. Esther was one of the few women who were acknowledged in the Bible and that was because she conquered fear.

Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. (Esther 4:16)

God is interested in people who are ready to give up anything for him. He is interested in people with mature minds.

I believe that this sermon has enlightened us on the need to make a difference as believers in Jesus Christ. As you are striving to make heaven, bear in mind that the devil may be on the way to hinder you. As a Christian who wakes up every night to pray, remember that the devil is watching. You are a prayer warrior who is always busy binding demons, don’t forget that the devil is also fighting to quench your fire. Now, the question is, are you going to surrender?

This is the question you are expected to ask yourself on a daily basis. Mind you, surrendering in this context does not mean that you are going to advertise your intention. You may actually surrender even without knowing it, just the way people sometimes backslide unconsciously.

Though you may encounter challenges, see them as strategies by the devil to distract you. Say to yourself: "Nothing shall separate me from the love of God" and, at the end, you will realise that you have fought a good fight of faith.

Joseph is another good example of those who refused to surrender. Though he found himself In Potiphar’s house as a slave, he still refused to surrender to Potiphar’s wife and, at the end, God exalted him. That is the caliber of people that God is proud of. As you imbibe and abide by this sermon, the grace of God will be sufficient for you.