Embracing Surrender: Finding Peace in God’s Plan for You

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Many of us have faced moments in life where the pressure to control every outcome becomes overwhelming—an untamed desire to steer our lives down a meticulously planned path. I’m a planner. I like to know when something is going to happen and what it’s going to look like. But the life of faith doesn’t work that way. God rarely gives us a map and a timeline. In fact, I’d venture to say God never works that way! When I try to control outcomes, I’m usually disappointed. Surrender, in this light, is not about admitting defeat, but rather about finding hope and relief in the understanding that God holds the blueprint for our lives. Let’s look at what embracing surrender means.

The Meaning of Surrender in Faith

In the realm of faith, surrender does not equate to weakness; rather, it signifies a profound strength found in trusting God’s love and plans for us. Scripture offers abundant clarity on this, with Proverbs 3:5-6 guiding us to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Surrender involves relinquishing our need for control and placing our lives confidently in God’s hands, knowing He has our best interests at heart.

The Challenges of Surrendering

The path to surrender is fraught with obstacles, primarily our inherent fear, uncertainty, and an engrained desire for control. The Bible presents numerous narratives of individuals who grappled with these same challenges, yet found profound peace in surrender. For example, Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac demonstrated an unparalleled trust in God, a surrender that brought about immense blessings.

On the other hand, we have Nebuchadnezzar, a Babylonian king God wanted to reach. When he took all the credit for the greatness of Babylon for himself, God caused him to become like a beast of the field. But when he came to his senses and recognized the power and authority of God, his fortune was returned to him. Verse 37 of Daniel 4 is very telling: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”

Practical Steps to Surrender

Surrender is a process, one that begins with simple, intentional acts of faith. Engaging in daily prayer, meditating on Scripture, and surrounding yourself with a supportive faith community can serve as foundational steps toward surrendering to God’s will. The following steps also help when you’re learning about embracing surrender.

• Get to know God by spending time in His Word.
• Pray with an open heart, expressing both your fears and your desires to God.
• Journal about the ways you’ve seen God’s ways be better than yours in the past.
• Memorize verses like Proverbs 3:5-6, quoted above, about God directing your path.

The Benefits of Surrendering to God

The act of surrendering to God’s plan opens the gateway to profound peace, clarity, and a sense of purpose that transcends human understanding. Testament to this are the countless individuals who have experienced the life-altering impact of true surrender. Here are just 3 New Testament examples you can read about:

• Matthew: once a tax collector, then a follower of Jesus after following Jesus’ call to “follow me.”
• Paul: once a persecutor of the church, then a devout believer in Jesus whose writings helped change the world.
• The Ethiopian eunuch: Wanted desperately to know what the Scriptures meant, went on, according to tradition, to bring the gospel to North Africa.

Keeping Faith During Difficult Times

Maintaining a state of surrender, especially during life’s tumultuous periods or when God’s plan seems indiscernible, is a formidable challenge. Many years ago, my husband and I faced the challenge of having children. In the process of infertility treatments, I miscarried our first pregnancy. Through many tears, I had to trust that God’s ways are higher than my ways, and that He would work all things out for my good and His glory. Knowing the practical steps that I outlined previously, I could lean on His goodness to do what was best for me.

How Surrender Leads to Deeper Relationship with God

True surrender is the gateway to a deeper, more intimate connection with God. It allows us to experience the Holy Spirit in a more profound way, guiding, comforting, and confirming in us the peace that comes from living a life in accordance with God’s will. We can keep fighting, but the angst and frustration we carry will take its toll on our health. Consider Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Even though He was fully God, He willingly submitted Himself to the will of the Father. Even in His anguish, He would make the decision to carry out the plan of salvation.

Reflection on Embracing Surrender

Listen now to a short segment of a guided meditation from Abide based on Mark 8:34-35. There is a cost to following Jesus, as Matthew, Paul, and many other martyrs understood. But the benefits—not the least of which is eternal life with Jesus—far outweigh the costs.

Throughout this article, we’ve traversed the concept of surrender from its biblical roots to the practical steps and incredible benefits that accompany living a surrendered life. Surrender to God’s plan brings about a peace and fulfillment that cannot be found through any other means. I invite you to take a courageous step toward surrendering your plans, fears, and desires to God. Trust in His boundless love and wisdom to guide your path.

Let Abide help you in your journey toward embracing surrender. Download the app to experience the full-length version of the meditation above, plus much more. Our daily devotionals, guided meditations and Bible-based sleep stories all exist to help you grow closer to God. Use this link for 25% off.

Stephanie Reeves is the senior editor for Abide. She lives in Orlando, Fla., along with her husband, 3 adult kids, and 1 adorable grandson.