Thursday, September 1, 2016

Under New Ownership


 Gracious and loving Father, I thank you for knowing me and all the 
challenges set before me. Thank you for caring about each and every one of them. Help me to replace all the worries and stress with wholehearted trust in You.  Thank you for causing all things to work for good.  I praise You Lord, only you can make all things work for my good.  Bless my friends, family, and colleagues that they may live stress free lives, casting all their cares upon You.

Help us stand boldly in your sufficient grace. In the name of Christ Jesus, Amen.

Under New Ownership by Veronica Garrett 

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.  1 Corinthians 6:19-20
  

When an existing establishment is purchased there is usually some notice of new ownership.  The prior owner is no longer able to demonstrate authority over the decisions.  In fact, quite often the business has a sign that reads "under new management".  This allows all patrons to know that there has been some exchange of purchase as well as authority. 
The previous owner does not have authority to determine how the business should be ran.  He would be completely out of order if he were attempting to implement his ideas in the new owner's establishment.  He has forfeited the right to make such decisions.  In asmuch as he no longer has the power to set forth direction, he also is not responsible for the outcome. The new management is responsible for setting the direction as well as the success of the business.
In the life of a Christian there is a point of exchange when we, through a surrendering of will, acknowledge that we are under new ownership.  Many believers never experience this exchange and if you must ponder whether or not you have, you haven't. Acknowledging that you haven't allows the opportunity for the future.  
Many people arrive at this point of surrender due to some great hardship, or burden they find to difficult to bear.  It goes against the natural man and his desire to surrender himself completely to anything.  From the Garden of Eden, mankind has always attempted to exert his independence. The truth is the cost is seemingly high, we give up our right to choose and decide to the One who owns us.
There is such a freedom in saying, my times are in His hands.  In the face of disaster we are certain that He takes full responsiblity for the outcome because we submit ourselves to His ownership.  At times He chooses to glorify Himself in ways that make us weak. And then He reveals Himself in ways that we rejoice in His strength. 
Although it appears as the simple life, it is the most exhilarating, adventuruous journey that one could ever imagine.  Joyous tears and exuberant celebrations are a common stay in the mist of hardship and trials because His loving arms are near. 
At times others want an answer, what is the plan?  Very often the answer is, "He hasn't told me yet".  The most amazing thing is, as your primary focus is being about His business, you can rest assure that He takes care of yours in greater detail than you can. The signs of being Under New Management overflows into a life of everyone who yields to the new Owner.

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