What Does Surrender Really Look Like?
Surrender is one of those words that can feel heavy and even intimidating. It sounds like giving up, letting go of control, and releasing our grip on what we think life should be. But in the Kingdom of God, surrender is not about defeat—it's about freedom. It's about trusting that God's ways are higher than ours and that His plans for us are better than anything we could orchestrate on our own.
But what does surrender really look like in everyday life? Is it just a concept, or can we put it into action in practical ways? Let's break it down.
Surrender in Our Daily Lives
Surrendering to God doesn't always mean making a massive life decision. Often, it's found in the small, daily choices we make. Here are a few real-life examples of what surrender looks like:
- Surrender in Time: Surrender means starting the day with God, asking Him to direct our steps instead of rushing through the day on our own agenda. It's choosing to pause and pray when decisions arise rather than reacting in our strength.
- Surrender in Relationships: Surrender looks like forgiving someone even when they don't deserve it because God has forgiven us. It's choosing to trust God with our loved ones instead of trying to control or fix them.
- Surrender in Plans: We all have goals, dreams, and desires. But surrender means saying, "God, not my will, but Yours be done." It holds our plans loosely, knowing He sees the bigger picture.
- Surrender in Finances: Surrender means being generous, even when uncomfortable, trusting that God is our provider. It's choosing obedience in tithing, giving, and stewarding our resources in a way that honors Him.
- Surrender in Struggles: Instead of worrying, surrender is laying our burdens at God's feet and believing He will work all things out for our good.
How Can We Practice Surrender This Week?
Surrender is not just a one-time event; it's a daily decision. Here are five practical things we can do this week to practice surrender actively:
- Start Each Day with Open Hands – Spend five minutes in prayer, saying, "God, I give You my plans today. Lead me."
- Let Go of One Worry – Identify something you've been stressing over and commit to releasing it to God in prayer.
- Obey Promptings from the Holy Spirit – If you feel God nudging you to call someone, give, or encourage someone, do it without hesitation.
- Practice Gratitude Instead of Complaints – Every time you're tempted to complain, thank God for something instead.
- Worship Through the Waiting – If you're waiting on an answer from God, choose to worship instead of worry. Play worship music, declare His promises, and trust His timing.
The Beauty of Surrender
Surrender is not weakness; it's strength in trusting that God is working behind the scenes. It's not about losing control—it's about placing control into the hands of the One who knows best. The more we surrender, the more peace we experience because we no longer strive for our own strength.
This week, let's embrace surrender, knowing that God's plans are far greater than ours. He is faithful and trustworthy and will care for everything we place in His hands.
Are you ready to surrender? Let's walk in it together!
Meditation Scriptures for this week.
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act." – Psalm 37:5
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." – Proverbs 3:5-6
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." – 1 Peter 5:7