The Call to Surrender
As humans, we often desire to be in control, but that desire often clashes with spiritual growth. It’s tough to give up control and put your faith in something bigger than yourself.
But what does it mean to “surrender” to your faith? It doesn’t mean admitting defeat or that you’re somehow weak. Instead, it means trusting God’s plan for you, releasing your grip on control, and entrusting your life to something greater than yourself.
We’ll explore what it means to surrender to your faith, offer examples from the Bible, and provide practical steps to embrace God’s will. We’ll also examine scriptures on surrender to help you understand the path to peace.
While the word “surrender” isn’t explicitly used in the Bible in the modern, spiritual sense, the concept is implied throughout its verses, ideas, and stories.
What does it mean to surrender to God?
The concept of surrendering to God can sound passive, like giving up. But in a spiritual sense, it’s actually an active choice you make daily: the choice to align your will with God’s will instead of your own.
Surrender means acknowledging God in every part of your life. It means giving yourself over to His will and denying your own desires. True surrender means that you’re working to align your desires with what God wants for you. This requires a renewal of your mind and a conscious decision to turn away from your own understanding and lean into God’s wisdom.
One of the biggest obstacles to surrender is the desire for control. So often, we want to dictate what happens in our lives. We make our plans and then ask God to bless them. But that’s not surrender. That’s asking God to rubber-stamp our own will.
The desire for control comes from fear and uncertainty. We’re afraid that if we don’t steer the ship, it will crash. But Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “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.” When we try to figure everything out ourselves, we end up anxious and without peace. Surrender is about trusting that God knows best and that He will guide us if we let Him.
Biblical examples of surrender
The Bible is full of people who surrendered their own will to God’s. Here are a few powerful examples.
Jesus: The ultimate example of surrender
Jesus’ life and death show us what it means to completely give yourself over to God. Even when he knew he was facing terrible suffering, he submitted to God’s will.
John 5:30 shows Jesus saying, “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.”
And in Mark 14:36, we see Jesus praying, “Abba, Father, I know that anything is possible for You. Please take this cup away so I don’t have to drink from it. But whatever happens, let Your will be done—not Mine.”
Noah: Obedience in the face of the unseen
Noah’s story is a powerful one. God told him to build an ark because he was going to flood the entire world. It must have seemed impossible, but Noah obeyed God’s instructions. He trusted God’s plan, and that faith saved his family and preserved life on Earth.
Paul: Finding joy in surrender
The Apostle Paul went through incredible suffering and trials, but he remained devoted to God’s purpose for his life. His life shows us the joy and fulfillment that come from surrendering to Christ.
Philippians 1:21 captures Paul’s heart: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
And in 2 Corinthians 12:9, God tells Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Mary: A model of immediate surrender
When the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would miraculously conceive and give birth to the Son of God, her reply in Luke 1:38 is a model of immediate surrender: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”
How to surrender to God in your life: practical steps
Surrendering to God isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a daily choice to align your will with His. Here are some practical steps you can take to cultivate a life of surrender:
Cultivating intimacy with God
Regular fellowship with God through prayer and Bible study is key. Spend time in God’s Word, meditating on its truths, and pray with an open heart, expressing your fears and desires. Confess any times you’ve wandered from God’s plan.
Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Trusting God’s will and seeking understanding
Trust God for understanding in all circumstances. Lean on Him for guidance and journal about ways God’s plans have been better than your own. Acknowledge that His plan is for your good, even amidst challenges, and seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Matthew 6:33 reminds us: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
The role of community and support
Seek out Christian community and prayer partners. A supportive faith community is foundational to surrender. Share your struggles and seek encouragement from fellow believers. Evaluate and lighten your life burdens to improve your endurance.
Renewal of your mind
Surrender requires a shift in perspective and mindset. As Romans 12:2 says: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
This renewal comes through consistent exposure to God’s Word and a conscious effort to align your thoughts with His truth.
Scriptures on surrender: Finding guidance in God’s word
The concept of surrender is central to the Christian faith. It involves relinquishing control, trusting in God’s plan, and aligning our will with His. The Bible offers a wealth of wisdom and guidance on this transformative process. Here are some key verses to consider:
Key verses on surrender and submission
- Proverbs 3:5-6: “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.” This verse emphasizes the importance of trusting God’s wisdom above our own, acknowledging His guidance in every aspect of our lives.
- James 4:7: “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” This verse highlights the connection between surrendering to God and resisting negative influences. Submission to God empowers us to stand firm against temptation and evil.
- Matthew 16:24-26: “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” This passage speaks to the ultimate surrender: denying our own desires and ambitions to follow Christ. It challenges us to prioritize our spiritual well-being over worldly gain.
Verses on trust and faith in difficult times
- 1 Peter 5:6-7: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This verse encourages us to release our worries and anxieties to God, trusting that He will provide and care for us in His perfect timing.
- Philippians 4:13: “I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength.” This verse reminds us that we can find strength and contentment in Christ, regardless of our circumstances.
- Psalm 37:5: “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” This verse urges us to entrust our lives and plans to God, confident that He will work on our behalf.
Verses on obedience and following God’s will
- John 14:15: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” This verse connects our love for God with our obedience to His commands.
- Deuteronomy 11:26-28: “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse— the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.” This passage emphasizes the importance of choosing obedience to God, recognizing that it leads to blessing, while disobedience leads to negative consequences.
- Psalm 32:8-9: “I hear the Lord saying, ‘I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide. So don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make me tug you and pull you along. Just come with me!” This verse beautifully illustrates God’s desire to guide and lead us, urging us to be receptive and willing to follow His direction.
Putting It All Together
Surrender isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s a journey, a constant process of growing closer to God and letting go of our need to control everything. It takes effort, and it means choosing, again and again, to trust that God’s way is better than our own.
But the rewards are incredible. When we surrender, we find a peace that passes understanding, a clarity that cuts through the noise, and a deep sense of purpose that anchors us in God’s love. Surrender isn’t weakness; it’s the ultimate act of strength, born from a deep and abiding faith.
By choosing surrender, we open ourselves up to the fullness of God’s grace and discover what it truly means to live a life that honors Him. To remind yourself of this truth, memorize verses like Proverbs 3:5-6 and carry them in your heart, ready to call on whenever you need to release your grip and trust in God’s plan.