Surrender.
It’s one of those words that feels easy to say but so much harder to live out. The moment God asks us to surrender the very thing we hold closest to our hearts, our grip tightens, and the questions come rushing in: What will happen if I let this go? What if it doesn’t work out?
But surrender isn’t about losing. It’s about trusting. It’s about giving control to the One who knows the beginning from the end, who loves you more than you can comprehend, and who works all things together for your good.
What Is Surrender?
The word “surrender” often conjures images of waving a white flag in defeat. But biblical surrender is something entirely different. It’s not about defeat; it’s about trust.
The term comes from the Old French surrendre, meaning “to give up” or “to deliver over.” It’s the act of handing over control to someone greater—to God Himself. It’s saying, “Lord, I trust You with every detail of my life.”
Paul described this beautifully in Galatians 2:20:
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me."
Surrender isn’t passive. It’s an active choice to give God the reins of your life. And it starts with a decision to make Him both your Savior and your Lord.
True surrender begins with repentance—turning away from sin and choosing to follow God wholeheartedly. Without this foundation, surrender is incomplete.
Think of women like Elisabeth Elliot or Ruth. Their lives illustrate how surrender to God isn’t wasted. Elisabeth Elliot, after losing her husband in a tragic act of martyrdom, chose to surrender her pain and her future to God. Ruth, on the other hand, surrendered everything familiar—her home, her family, and her culture—to follow Naomi and trust in God.
Their stories remind us that surrender is deeply personal. What God asks you to lay down might look entirely different from what He asks of someone else.
Surrender Is Personal
Maybe for you, it’s your career. Maybe it’s your timeline, your relationships, or your idea of how life “should” look. Whatever it is, surrender is about trusting that God’s hands are the safest place for your dreams, fears, and future.
Here’s the truth: surrender doesn’t mean giving up; it means stepping into the fullness of what God has for you. It’s trusting that He sees what you can’t and that His plans for you far exceed your own.
Jeremiah 29:11 puts it perfectly:
"For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Surrender Requires Strength
The world might tell you that surrender is weak. That giving up control is foolish. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Surrender is one of the boldest, strongest acts of faith you can take. It’s courageously saying, “I don’t see the full picture, but I trust the Artist.”
Ruth’s story is a powerful example. When she told Naomi, “Your God will be my God,” she was stepping into the unknown with nothing but faith. That kind of surrender takes strength, not weakness.
And here’s the paradox: the more you let go, the more peace, strength, and clarity you gain. Holding on to control often breeds anxiety and fear, but surrender opens the door to God’s peace that surpasses all understanding.
Surrender Is a Daily Act
Elisabeth Elliot once said:
"One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime."
Surrender isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a daily commitment—a constant laying down of self.
Paul echoed this in 1 Corinthians 15:31:
"I die daily."
Every day, you’ll face moments when your flesh and Spirit battle for control. Whichever you feed will win.
Feed your flesh—cling to your desires, neglect prayer, and shut out the Spirit—and it will overpower your surrender.
Feed your Spirit—through prayer, studying the Word, and walking in obedience—and you’ll stay steadfast.
Daily surrender looks like presenting yourself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). It’s saying:
"God, I’m Yours today. Help me to trust You. Guide me in every step I take."
Surrender: An Act of Obedience
Jesus said in Matthew 16:24:
"Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Me."
But here’s the truth: we often hesitate.
We say things like:
“Lord, I surrender everything… except my career plans.”
“You can have my Sundays, but not my relationships.”
Partial surrender isn’t surrender at all. True surrender is saying “Yes, Lord,” no matter what He asks or when He asks it.
A Question for You
What is God asking you to lay down today?
Is it fear? A relationship? Your desire to control the future?
Whatever it is, surrender it to Him. Trust that His hands are the safest place for your life. Surrender isn’t weakness—it’s the boldest, strongest act of faith you can take.
And here’s the promise that makes it all worthwhile:
"Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Sister, let go. Lay it down. Watch as God turns your surrender into something beautiful.
Until next time, stay surrendered, stay faithful, and Remain Radiant.
Share this post