Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Surrendering to God’s will is often misunderstood and perceived as a complicated or daunting task. However, the essence of surrender lies in making a conscious choice to let go and allow God to work in our lives. Jesus calls us to surrender in Matthew 16:24-25, where He says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” This profound scripture lays the foundation for our surrender. Here are four key steps to genuinely surrendering your heart and life to God.

1. Make a Firm Decision

Surrender begins with a conscious and firm decision to choose Jesus above all else. This requires you to say “no” to everything that pulls you away from Him. Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship, encouraging us to count the cost before we make this commitment. Without being willing to pay the price, our expressions of surrender may be meaningless. Remember, when the challenges arise, half-hearted surrender is likely to lead you back to your old ways.

2. Deny Yourself

Denying yourself is a critical step in surrendering to God. This means saying no to your wants and desires, as illustrated in Matthew 16:24-25. It could involve small sacrifices like resisting the urge to sleep in to spend time with God or giving up habits that don’t align with His will. It may also include letting go of relationships that pull you away from your faith. This act of self-denial lays the groundwork for a life centered on Christ rather than on ourselves.

3. Take Up Your Cross

When we take up our cross, we identify with Jesus’s sacrifice. Philippians 2:5-11 calls us to possess the mind of Christ, and part of that involves dying to our flesh and old ways to allow Him to live through us. This can be a tough journey, and sometimes it may cost us dearly. You may find yourself losing friends, family, or even employment because of your unwavering faith. I’ve personally experienced the loss of friendships and job opportunities because my beliefs did not align with certain environments. Just like many around the world today, you might face your own challenges in standing for Christ. The reality is, surrendering to Him can require the surrender of everything.

4. Follow Jesus Without Looking Back

Following Jesus calls for complete obedience, and it’s essential to refrain from glancing back at what you might believe you’ve lost. Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Walking with Christ requires focus and faith. Surrendering your past and your concerns for the future allows you to experience true freedom, peace, joy, and hope. Obedience may feel terrifying at first, but it is there, on the other side of control, where you will find rest in trusting the One who truly holds your future.

A Challenge to Surrender

Today, I invite you to take some quiet time and reflect on your life. Ask God what areas you have yet to surrender to Him. Pray and allow Him to take control. Remember, surrender isn’t just about giving up; it’s about gaining the fullness of His purpose and plans for your life.

As you step into the journey of surrender, may you find that it’s not as complicated as it seems, but a necessary decision that leads to the abundant life He promises.

This blog post captures the essence of surrender while integrating the scriptures you wanted to include. It provides clear steps and personal reflections that encourage readers to take actionable steps toward surrendering their lives to God. Let me know if there are any specific changes you would like or if you need more content!