Jackson Bennett—now there's a name of character and strength! Actually I'm a bit biased because it's the name of my first grandchild born only weeks ago. His name “Jack” means “God is gracious,” and He is. Since the day Jack was born I have experienced samplings of God's grace as I held his hand, tickled his little feet, and peered into his deep blue eyes. Now as a grandfather I marvel at this work of grace.
But, I am also convicted by a deep sense of responsibility. God's grace always calls me to respond. The gifts he so graciously offers are free but they call me to respond. How can one respond to such profound love?
Each of us needs to consider how we ought to respond to God's constant provision. It may be a response to a life like Jack's that has entered your family. It may be a response to God's blessing of unique gifts and talents and the very practical material resources that He has provided. It may even be in response to the opportunities He opens before you.
When Jack was born I realized this was a time in life to surrender myself to be a godly influence in his life, to pour into him the love that has been given to me, and to set myself aside for his well-being.
Our response to living for God means daily surrender. Every morning we pray, surrendering the ministry of Insight for Living Canada back to God. God has blessed this ministry and our surrender of it acknowledges His ownership. We are privileged to observe lives transformed, hope renewed, and new life emerge through a deeper, personal understanding of God's love.
Surrender doesn't come easy but only in surrender do we experience all that God would provide. It's all about a faith adventure, and my adventure is taking me beyond the ministry of Insight for Living Canada.
Therefore, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made my 10 years as executive director a time of incredible blessing. Never would have I imagined God's plan or path, but His faithfulness makes this surrender possible. My heart will always revolve around the mission of Insight—“Bringing the Truth of God's Word to Life.” I know it has been our common passion that has led this ministry into even greater things than we might have imagined. And it will be your continued support that will glorify God and extend the effectiveness of this mission for years to come.
Here's to surrender.
Just a final thought…
Ben Lowell served as the executive director of IFLC from 2000 to 2011
