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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
FINDING GRACE IN SURRENDER
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” — James 4:6
The pursuit of approval is a heavy burden, often carried without us fully realizing its weight.
From an early age, we are conditioned to believe that our worth is tied to what we accomplish or how others perceive us.
We strive to earn love, acceptance, and validation through our achievements, our relationships, and sometimes even through our good works, hoping that these things will fill the emptiness inside.
Yet, no matter how much we achieve or how many people we please, the approval we gain feels fleeting, and the void remains.
The harder we chase after approval, the more exhausted, disheartened, and even defeated we become.
This relentless striving steals our peace and leaves us feeling like we’re never enough.
But here is the truth: true fulfillment cannot be earned—it can only be received through the grace of Jesus Christ.
The approval we long for cannot be satisfied by human standards or efforts because it is a longing for something eternal.
Many people have experienced this firsthand.
They’ve spent years trying to prove their worth to others, to themselves, and even to God, believing that if they just worked harder, tried harder, or performed better, they could finally feel valued.
Yet, no matter how much they accomplished, it was never enough to quiet the inner voice of inadequacy.
It wasn’t until they stopped striving—until they surrendered their need to earn acceptance—that they found the love and grace they were searching for.
Jesus doesn’t ask us to prove our worth; He declares our worth through His sacrifice on the cross.
As James 4:6 reminds us, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
Grace is not a reward for effort; it is a gift for the humble.
It cannot be earned, only received with open hands and a surrendered heart.
Jesus meets us in the middle of our striving and gently invites us to lay it all down at His feet.
He doesn’t wait until we have everything figured out or until we’ve earned a place in His presence.
His grace is freely given, available to anyone willing to let go of pride and acknowledge their need for Him.
His love is not conditional on our performance—it’s rooted in His perfect character.
When we finally stop striving and rest in His love, we discover the peace of being fully known and fully loved—not because of what we do, but because of who He is.
This grace doesn’t just fill the void; it transforms it.
The emptiness left by striving is replaced with the fullness of His love.
The anxiety that comes from trying to prove ourselves gives way to a peace that surpasses understanding.
The weight of chasing approval is lifted, and we begin to experience the freedom of living as children of God, already accepted and cherished.
Surrendering to Jesus means trusting that His grace is enough.
It’s letting go of our need to perform and embracing the truth that we are already loved, already valued, and already worthy in His eyes.
This is the heart of the gospel: not that we earn our place with God, but that He gives it freely to us through Jesus Christ.
When we rest in His grace, we stop striving for approval and start living in the assurance of His unchanging love.
Are you striving to gain approval or love?
Take a moment to examine your heart.
Where are you seeking validation?
Is it through your accomplishments, relationships, or even your service to God?
Today, surrender your efforts to Jesus.
He doesn’t require you to earn His love; it is freely given.
Rest in His grace, trusting that you are accepted just as you are.
When you feel the urge to prove yourself, pause and pray.
Remind yourself that God’s grace is sufficient, and His love is unconditional.
Instead of striving, focus on abiding in Him.
Lean into His presence, knowing that His grace is enough to sustain you and that His love never fails.
PRAYER: Lord, I come before You weary from striving. Help me release my need for approval and embrace the grace You so freely give. Teach me to rest in Your unconditional love, knowing that I am accepted and cherished by You. Thank You for Your grace, which fills the empty places in my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
GOING DEEPER: Take time today to reflect on the ways you’ve been striving for approval—whether from others, yourself, or even God. Write them down in a journal, and then surrender each one to Jesus in prayer.
Memorize James 4:6 this week: “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
Let it remind you that God’s grace is a gift for the humble, not something to be earned through pride or effort.
CHALLENGE: Share with someone how you’ve experienced God’s grace in your life. Your story might inspire them to let go of their own striving and embrace His love.
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Liz Knight
Jessica Headrick
Linda Lanier
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard – Riverside in Covington Dale Lake
David Newby
Darlene Wiggins
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Marynell Ford
Matt Barron’s Mother
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Roach Mitchell
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher