“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt].” Matthew 26:39.

When we think of the act of surrender, we can immediately envision a struggle…at some point, one of the contenders stops fighting and relinquishes his/her rights or will over into the hands of the greater in strength or authority.

Likewise, as born-again believers we are called to “surrender” or submit ourselves unto God. To surrender in spirituality and religion means that a believer completely gives up his own will and subjects his thoughts, ideas, and deeds to the will and teachings of a higher power. It may also be contrasted with Submission. Surrender is willful acceptance and yielding to a dominating force and their will. -Wikipedia

God created us in His own image, He gave us a free will –we can make our own choices, even to the point of stepping outside of His divine plan to live in perfect oneness with Him for all eternity. The scripture clearly tells us that God is love; All that we know about love comes from His faithfulness to keep, care, protect and provide for us. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.

Our Lord, and our God gave up His glory in Heaven, manifested Himself in the person of His only begotten Son- Jesus the Christ and walked alongside men, fully divine and fully human; so much so that He became submissive unto death, just for us…He immediately humbled Himself and said…nevertheless, not my will but as thou wilt. “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt].” Matthew 26:39.

Oh my God, and my Lord, He submitted unto death to save a wretch like me! It was not of fear, but of love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. 

Where are you mentally and spiritually today- do you recognize that Jesus is able to give you the strength to endure whatever in life you woke up to this morning-that He alone orders your steps and provides for all that you need-are you willing to surrender by casting all your cares on Him? “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30.

My friends trusting God in surrender banishes fear and discouragement, God is faithful, and we can depend on Him to keep us through every trial, and tribulation-we are covered beneath His wings of love! “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10.

Let Jesus be our greatest example, He surrendered all in this life for us, and praise God the story does not end on the cross…He rose early the third day morning out of the grave with all power in His hands! Won’t you surrender all to Him? There is no safer place to be, than in His will!

The old familiar hymn states:

“All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give;

I will ever love and trust Him,

In His presence daily live.

I surrender all, I surrender all;

    All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all!

May God’s amazing grace guide you and keep you all safe in His arms forever!