The Heart of a Servant

Submission.

I've been reading through Isaiah and God used chapters 54 and 55 to speak into me about submission this week. If you have the chance, check them out!
What I heard him say in these chapters was along the lines of:

Press forward! Let go!
I know it's exactly the opposite of what you want to do, but I promise it'll be okay.
Don't be afraid. I know it's uncharted territory for you, but I'm right here with you.
I'm your husband, your father, your Redeemer, and your God. You aren't alone.
"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love will not depart from you".


I won't lie to you, it won't be easy!
By the world, you will be rejected, belittled, dehumanized, and misunderstood;
you will be looked on with pity as one who is weak, dumb and poor.
Weariness will tempt you, but as you draw nearer to me,
you will grow in joy and resolve.
I'll make it more than worth your while!

I know your heart and I know how you've been hurt, but I will protect you. I will provide for you!

Don't waste your time with that that doesn't matter anymore.
"Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?"
Leave that behind. It's dead weight! It can do nothing for you.
You and I think differently, but allow me to teach you.
I won't hurt you. I don't take any pleasure in your pain.
Let me lead you into joy and peace.

I loved these chapters because as often as I doubted or became scared, I was reassured. I was being romanced and comforted! As I thought about and received what God wanted to say, submission became attractive.
Of course, testing will come. "The heart of a servant is tested when treated like a servant." But like James 1:2, "COUNT IT ALL AS JOY, MY BROTHERS!" Let submission bring us closer to the heart of Christ.

What keeps us from submission? What scares you away from dropping everything and picking up the cross if resurrection is right around the corner? Is it fear of rejection, belittlement, vulnerability, uncertainty, loneliness, inadequacy, etc?
To be honest, I have an illegitimate fear of all these things. I have so many doubts that I let take the wheel.
God has just started to scratch the surface with me and make me new in these areas!
How do you feel in light of this? I'd love to come alongside any of you and pray in any way I can.