Complete Abandonment

seems like the lord has been bringing up the same theme all this week and i think it is one i will forever see and think upon. the importance of abiding, i in him and he in me, the key to the whole christian life. how amazing a relationship. it is all about me surrendering daily more and more until there is nothing left of me and him filling me until all there is, is him. how my spirit longs for that, but the truth is there are so many things that fight against it. my flesh especially really wants to have its own way. it wants to plan its own future, to do what it wants. it does not want to trust that the lord has something far better than i could ever imagine, after all his thoughts toward me are good to give me a future and a hope. i cannot have my way and the lord's they are too exclusive, i must choose one or the other. someone's will must be given up. by faith, let it be mine. i will trust you lord, because i know your character, that you are loving and good, that you only desire what's best for me. it is a daily descision to choose to abide. how greatful i am to be only a branch, not worried about producing fruit, my only care in the world is simply to abide! and the more i do the more fruit that comes; marvelous, tasty, lasting fruit.

i read this poem in a biography on the life of john and betty stamm martyrs in china:

and shall i fear

that there is anything that men hold dear

thou wouldst deprive me of,

and nothing give in place?

that is not so-

for i can see thy face

and hear thee now:

"my child, i died for thee.

and if the gift of love and life

you took from me,

shall i one precious thing withhold-

one beautiful and bright

one pure and precious thing withhold?

my child, it cannot be."

--Betty Stamm