Unexpected Encounters: Just a girl… submitting.

December 8, 2024

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - Submission to God’s will brings peace.

TEXT - Luke 1:38

1. Willing to accept an unexpected assignment.  

* Skill vs. Will?

* Luke 1:38

2. Willing to adjust to an unexpected vision.

* Luke 1:26-37

* Isaiah 7:14

* Luke 4:16-22

* Isaiah 61:1-2

3. Willing to hope for an unexpected outcome.

* Luke 1:46-55

* Isaiah 9:2-7

* Job 22:21

* Proverbs 3:5-6

NEXT STEPS

1. Where does our world need peace?

2. Where do you personally need peace?

3. Pray for peace.

4. Wait for it!

GO DEEPER

Peace in Submission: God’s Will vs. My Will

Submission means saying “yes” to God. Job said, “Submit to God and be at peace with him.” (Job 22:21) What does submission look like?

1. Humble Yourself Before God.

Submission starts with humility. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Humility allows us to:

* Let go of our need to control every detail.

* Admit our dependence on God in all areas.

* Accept correction and grow in godliness, letting God shape our character.

2. Recognize God’s Authority. 

We acknowledge God’s right to rule and we obey because we trust that God knows best. 

* Look to God’s Word as our ultimate guide.

* Trust God’s decisions over our desires.

* Accept God’s commands as loving, even when they’re challenging.

3. Align Our Lives with God’s Will

Living in submission to God isn’t just saying “God’s in charge.” It is doing what God asks us to do. This includes:

* Our thoughts - Are we filling our minds with His truth?

* Our relationships - Are we loving others selflessly?

* Our choices - Are we putting His priorities first?

When we submit to God, peace follows. Peace comes from knowing we no longer need to try to hold the world together. Instead, we rest in the authority and goodness of the One who holds everything.