Is Your Life Submitted?

Submission by C. Austin Miles

1. The path that I have trod, has brought me nearer God, 

though oft it led through sorrows gates.

Though not the way I'd choose, in my way I might lose,

the joy that yet for me awaits. 

[Chorus]

Not what I wish to be, nor where I wish to go.

For who am I that I should choose my way.

The Lord will choose for me, 'tis better far I know.

So let him bid me go; or stay. 

2. The cross that I must bear, if I a crown would wear,

is not the cross that I would take.

But since on me 'tis laid, I'll take it unafraid;

and bear it for the Master's sake. 

3 Not what I wish to be, nor where I wish to go.

For who am I that I should choose my way.  

My soul shall rise above this world in which I move;

I conquer only when I yield.  

            This gospel song is one of my favorites. It sort-of tells part of my life story for the first verse says,” Though not the way I'd choose” is true of my youthful choices.  I wanted to be a life-stock auctioneer.  When I was a boy I attended many life-stock auctions and learned how to “cry” an auction.  So, becoming a music educator was not my first choice for a life-long career. 

            However, God had a much different plan for my life. As I look back on my life I can sing with all my heart, “Not what I wish to be, nor where I wish to go.  For who am I that I should choose my way.”  Although being a life-stock auctioneer would have been a fine profession, it was not God’s will for my life!  When I was making plans to be an auctioneer I was not a Christian.  When I yielded my life to Christ I found out that “I conquer only when I yield”.