Life often brings us questions that cut to the heart of our faith. One of the most significant questions we face as believers is: How do I truly surrender to God on a daily basis? It’s a question that reveals a desire to move beyond mere belief into the lived reality of trust, dependence, and peace in Christ.

There’s a deep longing in every human heart to understand the “why” behind life’s events. This yearning emerges most intensely during times of suffering, tragedy, or uncertainty. Why did this happen? Why is life so difficult? Why does evil persist? These questions are not just intellectual—they come from the depths of our souls, seeking meaning, purpose, and resolution.

Why do we feel such a need to know “why”? Let’s explore this yearning from a biblical perspective, uncovering its roots and its ultimate answer.

In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul delivers a truth that carries both privilege and responsibility: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” This profound statement reframes how we view our physical bodies—not as our own, but as sanctuaries where the Spirit of God dwells.

There’s a particular comment made by Alex O’Connor, the Cosmic Skeptic, that has stayed with me. Reflecting on the psalmist’s assertion that he couldn’t escape God’s presence, Alex lamented that all he wanted was to find God, but he couldn’t. When I first heard those words, my heart sank. I couldn’t help but cry for him—not in pity, but in deep empathy, because I remember my own time before discovering the exchanged life. I, too, knew the ache of longing for God and feeling like He was nowhere to be found.

One of the most freeing truths in the Christian life is found in the way the Apostle Paul describes offering ourselves to God in Romans 6 and Romans 12. While these passages are connected, they highlight different aspects of our relationship with God, pointing us toward a life rooted in Christ and lived out in His strength, not our own.

Dear Friend

Thank you for sharing your reflections and journey so openly. It’s clear you’ve given this topic significant thought and prayer, and your desire to honor God in every aspect of life is evident. Wrestling with complex theological questions like these can feel overwhelming, especially when they touch on our identity, relationships, and how we serve in the church.

You’ve raised important questions about what Scripture teaches regarding the roles of men and women, particularly in ministry and marriage. These are not new debates, but they remain deeply relevant because they affect how we relate to God, each other, and the church body. Let’s thoughtfully address some of your points together.

Bill Freeman’s The Supplied Life offers a deep reflection on Ephesians 5:18: “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled in spirit” (NASB). This verse, packed with spiritual significance, calls believers to experience the fullness of Christ through the continuous filling of the Spirit. Freeman’s insights into the grammar of this verse reveal the means by which we can live in the shining presence of Christ daily.

The idea of perfection can often become a stumbling block in the Christian life. We might assume God is working to make us paragons of virtue, pristine examples of holiness to inspire others. Yet, as Oswald Chambers poignantly reminds us, God is not interested in making us specimens of perfection for display. His ultimate purpose is relational: to bring us into a deep, abiding oneness with Him, as Jesus prayed in John 17:22: “That they may be one as we are one.”

As followers of Christ, we are called to grow continually in our relationship with Him. This growth involves relying on His grace and immersing ourselves in His word. Acts 14:21-22 describes Paul and his missionary team returning to cities where they had preached the gospel, urging the disciples to "continue in the faith." This message still resonates with us today: to persevere in the truth revealed by God, which is foundational for a life of grace.

As believers, our lives are not meant to settle for mediocrity or mere adequacy. The call of God on our lives is not just to avoid falling away but to press forward toward His highest and best. Hebrews 12:15 urges us to look diligently, lest we fall short of His grace. This isn’t about losing salvation; it’s about failing to embrace the fullness of God’s purposes for our lives.

The Christian life is not one of striving or self-effort; it is one of living and walking in the Spirit. Romans 8:9 declares, “You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit.” This truth invites us into a life of freedom, rooted in the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. By faith, we learn to rely on Him for satisfaction, strength, and growth instead of depending on our own abilities.

In a world filled with uncertainty, pain, and unfulfilled longing, many struggle to find peace. The human heart, weighed down by anxiety, depression, or emptiness, often searches for hope in all the wrong places—success, relationships, possessions, or even self-made solutions. Yet, these attempts leave us more depleted, because the problem lies deeper: we are trying to live life in our strength, separate from the One who created us.

Jesus offers a different way—a way of rest, joy, and abundant life. But His invitation involves something counterintuitive: surrender. While the idea of surrender may seem daunting, it is, paradoxically, the gateway to experiencing the life we were meant to live.

Dear Seeker of Truth,

It’s clear from your thoughtful examination of Scripture that you value intellectual honesty and clarity. Such dedication is commendable, and I respect your commitment to engaging with critical questions about God, the Bible, and faith. Today, I’d like to invite you to consider a slightly different perspective—one that moves beyond intellectual analysis alone and engages with the relational essence of what Scripture reveals.

1 Chronicles 11 paints a vivid picture of God’s chosen king, David, rising to his divinely appointed role. The Chronicler highlights David’s leadership, devotion, and the loyalty of those who rallied to him. More than a historical recounting, this chapter offers timeless lessons about unity, devotion, and God’s unfolding plan of redemption.

Jeremiah 23 offers both a sobering indictment of human leadership and a resounding promise of God’s faithfulness. This chapter addresses the failures of Judah’s leaders and false prophets while pointing to the ultimate hope found in Jesus Christ, the righteous King.

Matthew 9 continues to reveal the remarkable authority and compassion of Jesus through His teaching, healing, and the call to follow Him. Each encounter provides profound lessons about faith, grace, and the kingdom of heaven. Drawing insights from the Grace and Truth Study Bible, we will explore the events of this chapter and the practical applications they offer for our lives.

Revelation 8 ushers us into a sobering yet pivotal moment in John’s apocalyptic vision. The opening of the seventh seal introduces the dramatic trumpet judgments, each sounding a clarion call of warning and divine justice. Drawing insights from the Grace and Truth Study Bible, let us reflect on the significance of these events and their implications for our faith and daily lives.

Proverbs 22 continues Solomon's wisdom-filled counsel, offering practical guidance for navigating life while honoring God. These verses emphasize the importance of prudence, integrity, and choosing relationships wisely. Using insights from the Grace and Truth Study Bible, let’s explore some of the key teachings in this chapter and how they apply to our lives today.

The moral law of God stands as a constant, unyielding standard of absolute righteousness. It doesn’t account for human weakness, nor does it adjust itself to our sinful tendencies. Whether for the strongest or the weakest among us, the law remains unchanging and absolute.

This unbending nature of the law can feel overwhelming when we recognize how far short we fall. As Paul writes, “Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died” (Romans 7:9). This realization confronts us with a sobering truth: no amount of effort or moral striving can make us right before a holy God.

Wherever the grace of God is at work, it leaves a tangible mark—one that brings joy to all who witness it. When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, he was filled with gladness upon seeing the evidence of God's transforming grace. Lives were being changed, and hearts were being turned to the Lord. Yet, he knew that this initial movement of grace was not the end of the journey but merely the beginning.