Unconditional Surrender

It is a beautiful day, albeit a bit chilly, in the midlands today.

I am a bit of a history buff, especially WWII and Civil war history. I have been reading a very good book called 'The Civil War Archive'. It is a collection of personal records and letters from soldiers of both sides of the war.

I found one particular collection very interesting. It concerned the taking of Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River in Western Tennessee. After four days of fighting, it became apparent that the Confederate army would be beaten and the Fort would be taken over by the Union Army lead by General U.S. Grant. On the morning of the 16 February, 1862, Confederate General S.B. Brukner sent a communique to Grant suggesting an armistice while the terms of surrender were discussed. The response by General Grant was short and to the point. 'No terms except immediate and unconditional surrender can be accepted.'

Reading this caused me to think about how we handle our spiritual battles. On the one side, God wants us to put ourselves into His hands. His terms, which were purchased at Calvary are also very simple, 'Immediate and unconditional surrender'. The enemy on the other hand is more than willing to accept a conditional surrender. I believe this is true because if Satan gets anything, any part of us, he can use it to destroy what is left. Complete surrender to God puts us outside the grip of Satan, and therefore protects us from defeat.

As you go about your day today, ask yourself this question...'What have I not surrendered to God'. Then surrender it.

Jim