Surrender is a word that often carries negative connotations in our culture. It’s a word that used to make me uncomfortable. It felt like giving up, losing or admitting defeat. But over time, I’ve come to see that surrendering to God is one of the most powerful and freeing things I’ve ever done.
What Does It Mean to Surrender?
For me, surrendering to God means letting go of my constant need to control every detail of my life. It’s trusting Him with my dreams, fears, and even the outcomes I can’t predict. It doesn’t mean sitting back and doing nothing; instead, it’s about choosing to believe that His plan for me is far better than anything I could come up with on my own.
It’s not always easy. I like to plan, to prepare, to know exactly what’s coming next. But surrender calls me to release my grip, to stop relying on my own understanding, and to trust in God’s wisdom and timing—even when things don’t make sense to me.
Why It’s Hard to Surrender
If I’m being honest, surrendering hasn’t come naturally. I’ve wrestled with questions like:
What if God’s plan isn’t what I want?
How do I trust Him when I can’t see the bigger picture?
What happens if I let go and things fall apart?
These fears are real, and they’ve held me back at times. But I’ve learned that surrendering doesn’t mean I stop caring or trying; it means I release the need to control the outcome.
What I’ve Learned Through Surrender
Every time I’ve surrendered to God, I’ve found a sense of peace I couldn’t create on my own. Letting go has brought me:
Freedom from worry: When I give my anxieties to God, I feel lighter, knowing He’s got it under control.
Closer connection with Him: Surrender has deepened my faith because I’ve seen how He shows up, even in ways I didn’t expect.
Strength to face challenges: Life hasn’t gotten easier, but I’ve learned to lean on His strength instead of my own.
How I’m Learning to Surrender
Surrender is a daily choice for me, and here’s what’s helped along the way:
1. Honest prayer. I’ve learned to bring my fears and doubts to God, trusting that He listens and understands.
2. Scripture that reminds me of His promises. Verses like Proverbs 3:5-6 and Deuteronomy 31:8 remind me that I can trust Him with everything.
3. Starting small. I focus on one area at a time where I can let go and trust Him, and it’s been amazing to see how He works.
4. Supportive community. Having friends who encourage me has made a huge difference.
A Journey, Not a Destination
I’ll be the first to admit that surrendering to God is a process. It’s not something I’ve mastered; it’s something I work on every day. There are still moments when I want to take the reins back, but I’m learning to let go and trust His plan, step by step.
If you’re wondering what surrender might look like in your life, I encourage you to try it. Start small. Talk to God about what’s on your heart. Trust Him with one thing, and see how He moves.
Surrender isn’t about losing—it’s about gaining the peace and freedom that only He can give.
How are you learning to surrender to God? I’d love to hear your story in the comments.
