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Recently, we've been talking about the concept of surrender, or, more specifically, allowing God to be King over our whole lives. As I was doing my daily Bible reading last week, I was reading about Moses and the exodus of the Israelites from the land of Egypt. I couldn't help but notice the attitude of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and, sadly, saw some of myself in him.

You may be familiar with the story. God sends 10 plagues upon the land of Egypt because of Pharaoh's refusal to allow the Israelites to leave their slavery and the land of Egypt. At first, Pharaoh outright refuses to allow the Israelites to leave at all. So God shows His power. Eventually, after the plague of flies, Pharaoh tries to give Moses what he wants while also getting what Pharaoh himself wants. He says, "Go, sacrifice to your God here in the land," (Exodus 8:25). But this was not what God demanded. He wanted all of the Israelites to be free, and free to leave the land of Egypt.

Later, in response to the plague of hail, Pharaoh says, "This time I have sinned," (as opposed to the other times, apparently!). "The Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong," (Exodus 9:27). But once again, Pharaoh hardened his heart as soon as the plague was removed. Later, he tries to have Moses only take the men of Israel (Exodus 10:11), and then only the people, while leaving behind their flocks (Exodus 10:24). Time and time again, Pharaoh refuses to give God everything He desires.

Can you identify with that? Unfortunately, I can. God desires to have all of you. It's not up to us to pick and choose what parts of our lives we give to God, and what parts we get to maintain control over. If we desire to see all that God desires to do in our lives, we can't keep withholding parts of ourselves from Him. Sin problem? Give it to Him. Your finances? Give it to Him. Your relationships? Give them to Him. Your anxiety? Give it to Him.

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." (Galatians 2:20) Your life belongs to God. Give yourself - all of yourself - to Him.