“Dear God, I am so afraid to open my clenched fists! Who will I be when I have nothing left to hold on to? Who will I be when I stand before you with empty hands? Please help me to gradually open my hands and to discover that I am not what I own, but what you want to give me.” ~ Henri Nouwen

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood… (God’s) own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 AMP

Awakening is solely the work of the Spirit. I can no more hasten this transformation than a raccoon can become a mountain lion. What I am charged with is far more excruciating–surrender is solely my responsibility. While I cannot quicken my spirit to the Spirit of God, I can and must relinquish all control to Sovereign Father. I dare not trust my emotions–they are far too fickle than to instill confidence. Instead, I fling myself at the feet of One who knows me as well as tomorrow. He alone is in position to shape and use me for purposes higher than my own inclination. ‘Father, do not give me the desires of my heart unless they have been filtered and rerouted by grace.’