Part 3: More Control

CHASING CARROTS – PART 3

Luke 5:1-11

1. WHY SURRENDERING CONTROL TO GOD IS A GREAT PLAN:

• Surrender begins when we realize who we are and who God is.

“On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on Him to hear the word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and He saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, He asked him to put out a little from the land.”

Luke 5:1-3 (ESV)

• Surrender is defined by who we surrender to.

“When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.’”

Luke 5:4-5 (NIV)

• The hardest thing about surrendering is no longer being in charge.

“And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, ‘Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.’ For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!’ And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.”

Luke 5:6-11 (NLT)

• The best thing about surrendering is no longer being in charge.

2. SURRENDER MEANS DECIDING TO ADMIT WE ARE POWERLESS OVER OUR PROBLEMS.

• I can’t.

“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”

Romans 7:15 (ESV)

• God can.

“Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.’”

Matthew 16:24 (ESV)

• I will surrender.

“Saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.’”

Luke 22:42 (ESV)

MY NEXT STE P TODA Y IS TO:

• Admit to myself and God that I am powerless without Him.

• Surrender my life to Jesus Christ and follow Him.

• Be baptized on the next Baptism Day – April 12th - Easter Sunday.

Bible App Instructions:

1. Go to Plans on the YouVersion® Bible App. Search for Surrender Control/Learning to Relax (5-day plan).

2. Tap “Start Plan.”

3. Find the plan under “Plans > My Plans.” Follow along with the devotional and verses each day.