Imagine having a glass filled with water – to the brim. However, you change your mind and decide that you’d prefer a glass of juice instead. What is the solution? To simply pour out the water so you can fill the glass with what you really want.

Many don’t know that you can also take this approach in life. They are filled with things they wish they could get rid of: They are consumed with bad friendships that only lead to trouble, old habits, bad thoughts, negative reactions, and they desperately want a change. In fact, maybe this is your situation. The first step is to pour yourself out. 

God wants to pour His Spirit, actions, reactions and desires inside of each and every one of us, but first we have to be an empty vessel that’s ready to receive Him. 

We see a great example of this in the story of Mary’s encounter with Jesus: 

“Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” John 12:3  

This surrender will come at a cost. Everyone may not support or even understand the decisions you make when giving your life to God. Someone will always oppose your choices, just as Mary’s choice was opposed.  

“But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” John 12:4-5  

However, Jesus saw Mary’s surrender and as she anointed Him, He also anointed her life.  

“She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.” Mark 14:8 

When you give your all to God, He will Give His all to you. Whatever you surrender cannot compare to what God has prepared for you. 

Are you ready to make the switch? 

May the God of the Bible bless you, 

Bishop Bira Joshua