WHAT DOES SURRENDERING TO GOD MEAN?

“The man or woman who is wholly or joyously surrendered to Christ can’t make a wrong choice – any choice will be the right one.” – A. W. Tozer

Most Christians have asked,” What does it mean to surrender to God? How do we surrender to God in all things? The good stuff, the bad, the difficult, and the scary things?

Surrender is throughout Scripture. Abraham steps out in faith to surrender his one and only son. It is a heart-wrenching story. It is a powerful story. Abraham is asked to sacrifice (literally sacrifice) his one and only son, born to him in his old age. And Abraham obeys the Lord. He walks his son up the mountain with everything required to make a burnt offering except the sacrifice. God has asked him to sacrifice his son on the altar. And just as Abraham is about to do what any parent cannot imagine doing, an angel calls to Abraham: He said, “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son” (Genesis 22:12)

Can you picture any greater surrender than this? An exact representation of the sacrifice God made for us in Jesus Christ’s death. Jesus lived a life of total surrender to the Lord. All that He did was what God directed Him to do. “I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will” (John 5:30). Jesus died on that cross. This is the ultimate act of surrender.

Surrender isn’t about giving up; it’s about giving in to the One who knows best for us, to the One who knows us most and has a good plan.  Surrender is the only real way to experience His peace.

But we will never be perfect at surrendering to God’s will. While we may never be excellent at surrendering to God and letting go of control, we can be better at it. Giving God control and letting things go is not easy. Here are some ways that may help you relinquish control. First, talk to God:  God wants to spend time with you. Spend time talking to Him. Talk openly and freely about everything. Let Him know you’re struggling to let go of control and invite Him to help you. Read the Bible: When you read scripture, you get to know God. It only makes sense that the more you know someone, the more you learn about their character. Trusting God and surrendering our lives when we know Him is easier.

God’s plan will always be better. No matter how much you try to control your life, God’s will is what you should strive for. That means giving Him full control of our lives because He knows exactly what He is doing. Give God the keys and surrender to His will.

God is patiently waiting for you to surrender control to Him.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is an area of your life that you know you need to surrender to God?
2. What might you be giving up if you surrender that area to God?
3. Do you believe that surrendering to God could benefit you? How?