The twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne. (Rev. 4:10)
Often people talk about surrendering to God sometime in the future. Christian recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman realized he had to do it “now.”
On May 17, 2008, Chapman’s son struck his five-year-old adopted sister, Maria, as he was backing the family SUV out of the driveway. Due to her injuries, Maria died four days later. Chapman was devastated and felt he would never be able to sing again. One reason was that he was no longer sure he really believed the words he was singing.
After a time, however, Chapman sensed he was to begin singing again. He began to sing a song written by Matt Redman called “Blessed Be Your Name.” Chapman testified, “It was no longer just a song . . . it was a cry, a scream, a prayer.” As he kept singing, he sensed himself falling before the throne of God. It was at this point that he found supernatural comfort and peace.
At one of his concerts Chapman shared, “One day we’ll all cast our crowns before his throne. We’ll acknowledge that he alone has the right to rule because he alone created all things. But why wait? Why not bow before him today? Amidst your pain, struggle, and tribulation, just surrender to him. Let him have his way in your life. You will never regret it!”
Bow down, worship God, and surrender to his lordship.
Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books published by Wesleyan Publishing House.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
