Surrender vs. Giving Up
In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
Luke 14:33 (NIV)
One day when I was receiving physical therapy, they were trying to stretch my arm to loosen scar tissue that formed from an injury I had. My natural response was to try to protect myself from the pain, so I would pull back and try to resist the pain. The physical therapist told me to surrender and let go. I’ve often thought about the fact that he wasn’t telling me to give up. He was telling me to surrender. To put my trust in him even when it causes pain and it doesn’t make sense. I haven’t quickly forgotten this because, to me, it’s a picture of faith.
God often puts us in painful scenarios, and we frequently try to pull back and protect ourselves. The key is not to shut down or give up; instead, trust Him. Trust Him in the hard times and the good times. If pain is pointless, it makes sense to resist or protect yourself, but you have a Good Father who has good plans. Don’t give up, but surrender to Him. You can’t find victory in life if both you and God are trying to lead. You can resist Him, give up in frustration, or willingly surrender to God. When you surrender your life to God, you’ll find a new spiritual power and joy that you didn't have before. You don't have to know the future if you know the one who holds the future. So let go and trust Him.
Christianity doesn’t work with one foot in and one foot out. That’s why Jesus is very clear on His terms of discipleship. It’s complete surrender. It’s willingly climbing on the altar every single day and giving Him your life. It’s not complex, but it’s not easy. Be leery of a gospel that says anything else. It’s a gospel of surrender. It’s a gospel of dying to yourself, but it’s also a gospel of victory. If you aren't finding victory, go back to the basics. Ask yourself: Am I surrendered to God, or is there someplace I’m trying to exert my will? When you find the issue, willingly surrender it to God. You’ll find peace and freedom even in the pain because you know there’s someone working things out for your good. Trust Him today!
Application: Don’t give up in frustration. Willingly surrender your life to God.
Prayer: Think about what Jesus did on the cross. Let His willingness to surrender stir your heart. Ask Him to reveal what you are trying to control. Then, spend time in prayer, giving it back to Him!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?