Surrender Without Excuses

Romans 5:1–8

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God… but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

When most of us think about surrendering to God, we immediately start doing the math in our heads—what’s this going to cost me? We picture ourselves selling everything, moving to a third-world country, and living in a mud hut eating crickets. Sometimes, God really does call people to that level of radical obedience. But more often, surrender doesn’t start with what’s on the outside—it starts with the heart.

True discipleship isn’t about how many times you show up for church, how much you give, or how perfectly you serve. You can do all of that—and still miss the heart of Jesus. Because discipleship isn’t about what you do for God; it’s about what you give to God: your heart, your desires, your will, your everything.

We can check all the boxes—attend, serve, give, go—and still be holding on tightly to something we refuse to surrender. Maybe it’s control. Maybe it’s a dream. Maybe it’s comfort. Maybe it’s the idea of the life you thought you deserved.

The truth is, surrender feels scary because it exposes our trust issues with God. We say, “I trust You, Lord,” but then we quietly add, “…just not with that.” We trust Him with our salvation, but not our future. We trust Him with our Sunday mornings, but not our plans. We trust Him to forgive us, but not to fulfill us.

And yet, Romans 5 reminds us why we can trust Him—because “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Before we ever said yes, He already gave everything. That’s the kind of love you can trust with your life.

So, what are you still holding on to? Your plans? Your family? Your finances? Your dream ministry? Whatever it is, lay it at His feet and leave it there. Not halfway, not with one hand still gripping the corner—let go.

Surrender isn’t loss; it’s freedom. When you finally stop trying to control everything, you discover the peace that comes from trusting the One who already gave it all.

You want to live bold? You want to live free? Then it’s time to lay it down. All of it.

Live bold. Live set free. Live for Christ.