The Art of Surrender

Is it time to surrender?

Are you striving for something you just can’t seem to obtain or resisting something you just can’t seem to elude?

How do we know when it’s time to surrender and give up the fight?

Quite often we face situations that require our surrender, yet we struggle and strive to maintain control and rigidly stand firm in our position, no matter how loud our inner voice of reason yells trying to get our attention.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

Consider the account of Jacob’s life found in the book of Genesis. Beginning when he was in his mother’s womb, Jacob fought with everyone he came in contact with. In chapter 25 Jacob struggled with his twin brother to gain the birthright, in chapter 27 Jacob deceived his father for the family blessing, in chapter 29 Jacob worked tirelessly to win the love of his life, Rachel, and in chapter 30 Jacob fought with determination to get his family away from his father-in-law. Jacob continued striving and fighting for what he believed was right, until one day – he finally met his match. In Genesis chapter 32, we read of Jacob physically wrestling with God. At close to 82 years old, Jacob still wasn’t willing to give up the fight, but God had a plan for his life, and it was finally time for Jacob to surrender to God’s plan. So — God physically purged Jacob of his self-sufficiency and redirected him toward a proper focus – God himself.

From the time we surrender our lives to Christ, we as Christians are called to surrender to the guidance of the Holy Spirit – yet that often becomes one of our greatest struggles. Many of us, myself included, spend years fighting against God’s guidance in order to maintain the pursuit of our wants and ways. Until one day we see the cost of our battle and realize how we consistently complicate our lives.

So how do we change our ways and begin to surrender?

First – We begin with prayer – start each day by asking God for wisdom and guidance.

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

Second – We seek wise counsel – make it a habit to consult godly counsel regarding the direction of your life.

“Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.” Proverbs 19:20-21

Third – We let go and let God – We lay aside both pride and fear and place our complete faith in Gods plans for our life.

“For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Surrendering to God’s will and way is something we must continually do throughout our entire lives.

Is it time for you to surrender? What are you waiting for?