I met a lady today. Toothless, tired and worn out due to a long history of bondage and drug abuse.

She looked at me desperate, asking for help as she clung tightly to the cross that hung around her neck. She longs for the freedom she hopes is there for her.

I made a few phone calls, to some programs I know and trust. They did not have room for her, but the following Monday, there were openings available. She was so thankful, tearful and ready to end this ten year battle.

We touched base a couple times over the weekend, and made a plan for Monday morning at 9:00 am.  Plan was to meet outside a liquor store in town, with  her bags packed, and I would take her to a one year program, where she would be in black- out for the first three months. That means no TV, cell phones, computers,  far  from all family and friends.  She tearfully explained that her daughter had just given birth to her new grandbaby, but surrender meant she would not see him for three months. But, surrender also means to live.

I showed up like planned. Waited… Waited… I called. Her friend answered and said she would try and find her and call me back.

She chose to not show up.   I am sure this is not the first time.   She counted the cost and said No.  My heart broke for her, knowing the deception of the evil one, at that moment, was bigger to her, than the hope of glory.  She is so familiar with this bondage, suffering and desert wilderness, that she couldn’t imagine that God has a promised land waiting for her.

I am not a drug addict or a alcoholic. But, I too am a person, who is constantly faced with a choice to have a Yes cry or a No, to whatever the Lord asks.  God desires us all to be a fully yielded life to Him. Where we only have a Yes. Sure, we have our reasons to say no-fears, justifications,  temptations, doubt, staying where we are familiar….. But God waits at the door and knocks.  God is always inviting us to join Him where He is working. He is always asking us to step in faith to where He is calling us.  We face a crisis of belief every time, but when we go in, we find Him there, and the experience brings us closer to Him, and increases our faith for the next adventure.

Being yielded to God  brings FREEDOM! The freedom our hearts long for.~ I once heard someone say, “If we have a obedience problem, we have a love problem”   If we really know how much our Father God loves us, we will trust Him completely and obey!!

God help us to know this love. Fill us with so much, that we will be consumed with your love, and we say YES,YES,YES to whatever you ask.