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Life often presents us with unexpected turns. For many, these changes are a source of excitement, an opportunity for growth and learning. For others, like me who is a self-titled control freak, unexpected challenges can test our ability to accept God’s will and find grace amid disruption. Surrendering to God’s plan, I’ve found, brings peace, strength, and a deeper connection to God within the ebbs and flows of our lives.
I remember when I was in junior high school, I thought God would make me marry someone I didn’t like. Silly, I know. But in my young faith, I thought God’s plan would always involve something I didn’t want to do. It’s that old “I’ll go anywhere, Lord, just don’t send me to _____!” And then, of course, that’s where you end up.
But surrendering our plans to God does not look like that in the least. And as I’ve grown to know Him better, I have seen that time and again. Fear and a relentless desire for control can often act as barriers to true surrender. By addressing these challenges head-on and sharing our burdens with our faith community, we can begin to break down these formidable walls one brick at a time.
Understanding Surrender
At its core, the act of surrender in a spiritual sense means putting aside our own desires and will, and wholly giving over to God’s direction. It’s not a gesture of defeat or resignation, but rather a powerful act of humility and trust in a plan that’s greater and more encompassing than our perception.
Scripture is replete with tales of individuals who, despite the overwhelming odds against them, chose to surrender to God’s will. From the monumental faith of Abraham to the quiet strength of Mary, each account offers a unique insight into the rewards and challenges of surrendering to God’s divine plan.
The Benefits of Surrendering Your Plans to God
While the concept of surrender may bring unwelcome feelings of fear, the benefits are life-affirming. Surrender invites peace into our hearts, allows us to experience freedom from worry, and opens the door to unanticipated blessings. Far from being a sign of weakness, surrendering to God shows great faith and trust. God proves Himself faithful day after day, and His plans are always for our good.
Accepting God’s plans with grace means constantly recommitting to having a mindset of thankfulness and willingness to adapt to the changes. It’s a state that brings joy, even in the face of uncertainty, reminding us of the boundless love God has for each of us. If you trust God’s character of love and kindness, you will find surrendering your plans easier each time God shows you a path different than the one you’re on.
The Importance of Staying Connected to God
If we approach every roadblock in our planned journey with clenched fists and cries of, “Why?” we will find our stress levels escalating and peace fleeing our hearts. Instead, consider laying your plans on the table and asking God if He thinks they’re a good idea.
We often approach decisions with pro and con lists, and then ask God to bless the plans that we’ve made. But what if we sought God for His plans before we even get started? By staying connected with God every day through prayer and meditation on His Word, we can look for where He’s working and then join Him there.
When my husband and I were buying our first house, our financing fell through on the house we desired. Through my tears, I acknowledged to God that I knew He had something better planned. I asked for His help in finding the perfect place, and for the grace to surrender my plans. Within a few weeks, God directed us to a new housing development where we could get pre-construction pricing and a hand in planning every aspect of our home.
God provides abundantly and beyond what we can even ask or imagine.
Listen now to a short segment of this meditation from Abide based on James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Let God speak to your heart about humbly accepting His good plans.
Practical Steps to Surrender Your Plans
The transition from holding on to our own plans to surrendering to God can be gradual and nuanced. By taking practical steps we create space for God’s guidance.
- Acknowledge your fears: Tell God what you’re afraid of. Do you fear that His plan won’t be good? Do you wonder if you’ll be able to do what He’s asking you to do? Are you afraid that you’ll lose something in the process? God does not fear your questions.
- Seek wisdom: Talk to trusted friends of faith who can help you with discernment. Sometimes talking things out with someone else can bring clarity. Pray with them. Ask them to seek God on your behalf.
- Set aside quiet time to hear from God: Along with talking to God, it’s important to listen as well. Maybe even more so. God’s ways are often mysterious, but if we trust Him, He will direct our steps.
Our faith is a journey, marked by the acceptance of God’s grace and the willingness to see His hand in all the events of our lives. By yielding to His plan with grace, we not only find peace, but also witness the unfolding of a life that exceeds our imagination.
To help you in learning more about surrendering your plans to God, download the Abide app. Our more than 1500 biblical meditations all exist to help you find peace in your journey with 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.
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