Surrender has been on my mind lately. It can feel like failure. But reviewing the definition was helpful. Merriam-Webster defines “surrender” as “the action of yielding one’s person or giving up the possession of something especially into the power of another.” The Michigan Middle English Dictionary defines surrender as “The giving up of an estate, a grant of land, or an interest in property to the person who holds the right to it,” or, in law, “the relinquishing of letters patent to the king,” or “the giving back or return of something.”
Spiritually, surrender is the giving back control to God, the yielding of our will and power to God. Why is this so hard? It means surrendering my will, my expectations to God. But my human and sinful nature wants control. Even if I don’t voice it directly, at the core, this is the situation. I am sure I know what is best for me and wish God would get on board. Silly, childish me. His plans are always better. He is looking towards my ultimate good and purpose which is to be transformed into the image of His son, Jesus. I am focused on the short term; my father in heaven is focused on the long term.
As I have prayed and thought about surrender, I conclude there are at least two types. One is a soft surrender: a recognition of God’s power and purpose. I desire to align my will with my heavenly Father. Similar to a surfer (so I am told) that recognizes the power of the ocean, and does not resist it but joins in collaboration with the wave.
The second type is a hard surrender: like being caught in a rip tide. You can see the shore and strive for it. You want to swim directly to the shore but resistance only pulls you farther away. You want the fast, straight path. It seems so close. Only when you surrender the fight, the control and begin to swim parallel to the shore will you arrive safely. You won’t end up where you thought you would but you are safe and you find the location is actually better than you imagined.
One of the interesting points regarding the word surrender is its military context, which is, again to surrender authority to another’s control. All through scripture, we are reminded that we are in a battle. A spiritual battle, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 NASB)
We are told we must train for battle. I love this quote from a navy seal: Under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training. Train well. The apostle Paul reminds us of this same principal when he tells us to “practice these things.”
How do we practice? We put on Christ, we put on love, we surrender our ways to God’s ways. And we remember the battle is God’s not ours. But we must surrender (give back) control and allow God to fight the battle. This is what Jehoshaphat did in 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NASB 95) when God said, “You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf.” Humanly speaking, the Israelites were outnumbered. They listened to God, got out of His way, stood firm and let God bring the victory.
One thing we know is that life is messy. We try so hard, don’t we, to keep everything under control? But we find there’s very little we are able to control other than our response. Maybe we are struggling with unfulfilled dreams or unexpected life change. It may be as simple as accepting we have physical limitations due to aging that we didn’t experience five years ago.
Whatever it is, God always calls us to a deeper relationship with him. When we do that, there is tremendous freedom. It seems so counterintuitive to surrender and end up being free, but that is the truth. We are free of our self-will, free of trying to control, and free from trying to fix everything. We are free to love, to give grace and forgiveness. It is for freedom that He set us free.
The ultimate surrender was Jesus going to the cross. Without this surrender there was no resurrection, no freedom from death.
Is there a situation you need to surrender? Don’t be afraid. God is with you. The battle is His.
Blessings,
Please Pray with Me
Today, Lord, reveal to me the areas in my life that I keep holding back from the Holy Spirit. Help me to relinquish control and give the power back to You where it belongs. Thank you for your grace and patience as I surrender my will for yours. Amen.
Scripture for Meditation
Romans 12:2 NKJV – 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.
1 Peter 5:6 NKJV – Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
Music for Reflection
Wow, how important to consider surrender, and yet how the flesh is sooo resistant! A wise and timely post, Dyann. Let our trust in God increase today!
God ministered to me powerfully this am through your words. Surrendering my will and expectations has become a huge struggle for me for sometime now, I will be referring back frequently to the examples given and the specific scriptures used to help me stay in a place of peace and truly surrender to His perfect will, way and timing.
Yes, there is something sweet about a surrender that doesn’t come with “kicking and screaming”. Thank you Dyann for another great blog about relevant issues!
Well-written blog, Dyann. Thank you.
Oh, I never struggle with SURRENDER!!! Hahahahah! Thank you for sharing with us and reminding me of the FREEDOM, true surrender brings. We have a Lakeland Women of Faith event 11.11. Overwhelmed with all there is to do, and the other morning, I got on my knees and reminded God, “It is Your event, not mine!” Trusting Him for the outcome! Love your nave seal quote, “Under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training. Train well.” Instead of us running away from difficulties, move into them because it trains you for the next one! Keeping that in my file! Love you, friend!
Hi Pam, Thank you for this sweet comment. November was so crazy, I missed it. I know the Women of Faith conference was wonderful.
I hope you had a joyful Christmas and New Year. I loved your Christmas posts with decorations and Chicago trip and of course dear Emma.
Miss and love you, Dyann