I Surrender

“I give up.” “I quit.” “I can’t do this anymore.” These phrases have often run through my mind, but I have seldom spoken them aloud. Somehow, the human spirit resists saying these words, even though the urge to just run away from life’s challenges is always there for me.

But, I do say these things to God a lot! And somehow, each time that I do this, my spirit is able to sigh with relief, when I surrender everything that overwhelms me to God’s keeping. He is okay with my desire to stop fighting, controlling, and overthinking everything! He does not let me off the hook in following him, but he does not ask me to do anything more than to give all of my worries and concerns to him, and to let him care for me.

I cannot “fix” my kids or grandkids. I cannot solve the world’s problems of poverty and war. I cannot meet every need in my church, nor does God ask me to try to fill all of the gaps that exist in Christian ministry.

At the beginning of each day, when I am not sure that I want to even get out of bed, the surrender starts: “God, I am not adequate for anything today. If you do not show up, I am sunk!” It sounds really weak, right? Okay, I am weak, in my own strength, and that is alright, because if I let him, God makes up for my weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reveals this truth in a dialogue between God and Paul:

GOD: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
PAUL: “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (NIV)

Are you feeling like you want to give up? Do it! It will be okay, believe me! All of Christ’s resurrection power is available to you, today and every day if you want it. You just have to be willing to surrender control to him.

Father God, thank you for this option of releasing everything to your care, and then letting you love me! Help me to truly surrender, to give up and let you take my concerns! Amen.

Throughout this day: Make a list of everything you want to give up to God: kids, grandkids, responsibilities at church, anything that weighs you down today. Throw it all into God’s hands, and don’t waver. See how good it feels! (Do you have a word for 2025 yet? Mine is “surrender”!). Here is a song that really resonates with me: Carrie Underwood - I Surrender All (Official Audio Video)