Just Surrender
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
Sometimes we fail to live abundantly as promised in the Scriptures, yet our ability to surrender is key to experiencing the abundant life. I studied law several years ago, intending to practice it as a second career. After graduating, I became despondent after attempting to pass the state bar exam. Even though I had no intentions of practicing law when I took the exam, I became very despondent and disheartened. Looking back on this experience, I lacked an entire understanding of the surrendering process. Instead of rising above my despondency, I wallowed in self-pity. During this period, when I encountered a minor defeat, I elevated it toward hopelessness because I could not see beyond my feelings. These responses have led me to reflect on Thomas' inquiries. Thomas is the disciple who is called Didymus or Twin in the Scriptures. Each time you read about Thomas, you will notice a novice inquiry or response. For instance, when Jesus explained the necessary delay in responding to the sisters' request about Lazarus, Thomas blurted out, let's go and die with Lazarus. (John 11:16) Then, when Jesus explained that his departure from earth was imminent, Thomas asked Him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? (John 14:5)
Initially, you may think Thomas asked a legitimate question, but he failed to comprehend what Jesus was saying. Early, Peter had asked a similar question, and Jesus responded, whither I go, you cannot follow me, but you shall follow me afterward. (John 13:36) Thomas is, therefore, thinking, Jesus, give me something tangible like a road map or a quest to complete. As humans, we hold to the belief that we must earn our way rather than renounce our self-determination rights. Jesus reiterated to Thomas that I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) This verse means that Jesus is the way to God because He is both the truth of God and the life of God. Jesus is the way we come to God and attain the many dwelling places in the Father's house. Jesus mediates God's truth and God's life, for the way is more than a path, but a way of thinking, feeling, deciding, and living. Thus, as believers, we must practice surrendering to Jesus' truth, way, and life by replacing our independent mentality with one characterized by selflessness. Surrender leads to perfection as God creates events to mold you more and more like Him. The gospel writer Matthew reminds us to seek perfection. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48) Perfection is, therefore, an ongoing yet gradual process that you will fully attain when you pass through the gates of heaven into the many mansions prepared by Jesus. After experiencing despondency, you will realize that your greatest accomplishments occurred when you kept your faith. I believe that one will wear despondency-like badges in eternity to demonstrate growth toward perfection. When Jesus rose from the dead, He still had scars on His resurrected body. He even told Thomas to examine them. "Put your finger here, see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. (John 20:27).
The Savior’s scars were visible and touchable, like a badge of honor as a reminder of His love and redemption plan for all humans. Can you imagine how Thomas felt after this experience? He finally received his tangible request. Originally, Thomas doubted the resurrection, but after he saw tangible evidence, I think he surrendered to Jesus' way, truth, and life.
As believers, we must recognize that certain events bring us closer to perfection as God unfolds His plan in us. Such events will become our badges of honor. We will never achieve perfection until we surrender to the way, the truth, and the life. Just remember what apostle Paul went through having a thorn in his flesh. As a result of his brothers, Joseph had to undergo several years in prison. Moses was a herdsman in the wilderness for 40 years, on the run from killing an Egyptian. Throughout the Scriptures, you can identify despondent events that led men toward a bigger plan orchestrated by God.
So, look at despondency as dependence on the Savior and reflected on His words, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I admit that His ways must replace mine, His truth must replace mine, and His life must replace mine. In the same way, Thomas doubted Jesus' resurrection until he touched the scars, our despondency represents Jesus’ scars. Therefore, our experiences will become a badge of honor when we inherit our heavenly mansion by striving for perfection and surrendering to the way, the truth, and the life.
