"Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him" - 2 Timothy 2:11
What does it mean to surrender? In many contexts, surrendering has a negative connotation — one that implies resignation, abandonment, or defeat. But, in the Christian sense, surrender is actually a good thing. One definition of surrender means, "to give up in favor of another".*
When we surrender our lives to Christ, we give up our own way of doing things and favor His will over our own. In order for us to do this, we have to be able to trust Him. Trusting in God's love is the only way to experiencing the fullness of our new life in Him. Before the Apostle Paul was a disciple of Jesus, he was a powerful persecutor of the disciples. He was intent on stopping the spread of the gospel. But, one day as he was on the road to Damascus he was suddenly surrounded by a bright light. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" He was blinded for three days, but after this experience, he became one of the most fervent disciples, writing a good bit of the New Testament. He surrendered to Jesus and the message of His salvation. (Acts 9:3-9)
There is something that happens to us when we let go and let God — when we trust Him and let Him take the wheel. Even if we've chosen Christ in our hearts, we still need to relinquish our rights to Him. As we recognize the depth of His sacrifice, we become ever more willing to do whatever He asks us to do so that others can experience His love. "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." -Colossians 3:3
Is there anything holding you back from giving God everything? As a loving Father, He desires to bring us to the place of saying, "God, you can have it all for the purpose of Your glory revealed in me." Ask God to help you surrender to His love today.
* http://www.thefreedictionary.com/surrender
Related resource: Hinds Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard
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