Knowing how to surrender to God, and when, it’s not an easy task. It is tough, especially when you know things are not going your way.
Sometimes it’s tough to give up when we know we’re not winning. This is clearly shown in the story of Robert Scott, a British explorer, who tried to be the first to reach the South Pole.
In 1910, Scott and his team started their journey to Antarctica. It was incredibly difficult, with extreme weather and limited supplies. Still, they were determined to make it.
After months of tough travel, they finally reached the South Pole in January 1912. But they found a Norwegian flag already there, planted by Roald Amundsen and his team who had arrived a month before.
Devastated, Scott and his team had to accept the bitter truth. However, they couldn’t stay there, so they started their equally challenging return journey. Tragically, none of them survived the trip back.
Even in these hard times, they never gave up. They held on to their courage, honor, and discipline until the end.
This story is a lot like our journey in figuring out how to surrender to God.
Is it Possible to Surrender to God?
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we promise to follow him. We’re saved by his sacrifice and we try to live according to his teachings, just like how Scott’s team tried to stick to their mission. But, we sometimes forget our promise to God when we get caught up in our own interests.
There might be times when we don’t want to let God take full control because we would have to give up control of parts of our lives that we’re comfortable with. But, to live the life that God wants for us (Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11), we need to surrender completely.
But how do we learn how to surrender to God?
In Matthew 16:24-25 of the Bible, Jesus Christ gives us the guide to surrender to him:
Jesus said to his followers, “If anyone wants to follow me, they must forget about themselves and carry their cross and follow me. Whoever tries to save their life will lose it, but whoever gives up their life for me will find it.”
Should we Learn how to surrender to God?
Absolutely yes! In this verse, Jesus gives us four challenging, but important steps to a life of surrender:
The first step is often the most difficult. Note how Jesus invites us: “If anyone wants to follow me.” This is an open invitation to surrender and live life with the Creator of everything, our Savior.
As wonderful as it sounds, it’s hard to do because we want to stay in control. For those who don’t believe yet, this means accepting that you’re a sinner who needs saving and embracing Jesus in faith. Accepting his eternal grace empowers you to surrender.
For those who believe, your Christian journey shows that you have the greatest supporter (1 John 2:1) and friend in Jesus (John 15:15).
He expects things from you that are for your good and gives clear instructions on how to follow him. And that takes us to our next steps on how to surrender to God.
These are the detailed steps to surrender to God:
1. Forget About Yourself
The first step in learning how to surrender to God is to forget about yourself. This means setting aside your desires, wants, and plans and focusing on what God wants for you. It’s about prioritizing God’s will over your own.
Jesus illustrates this in the Bible when he says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself…” (Matthew 16:24).
A perfect example of this is when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion (Matthew 26:39). He was scared and asked God if there was another way, but ended his prayer by saying, “not as I will, but as you will.” Even in his most human moment of fear, Jesus chose God’s will over his own.
2. Be Ready to Surrender
The next step is to be ready to surrender.
This means accepting that God’s plans for your life are better than your own. You must trust God’s wisdom, love, and understanding. In Proverbs 3:5-6, the Bible teaches us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
The story of Abraham is a great example of being ready to surrender. When God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, Abraham was ready to do as God commanded (Genesis 22:1-14). Though it was a test of faith, Abraham’s readiness to surrender shows his deep trust in God.
3. Carry His Cross
Carrying his cross means willingly accepting the challenges, struggles, and sacrifices that come with following Jesus. It’s about living a life that reflects Christ, even when it’s tough.
As stated in the Bible, “…let him…take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)
Consider the story of Apostle Paul. Before becoming a follower of Christ, he persecuted Christians (Acts 9:1-2). After his conversion, he faced many hardships, including imprisonment, beatings, and ultimately martyrdom. Yet, he took up his cross daily, living and preaching the message of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:24-27).
4. Follow Him
Finally, the most important step in learning how to surrender to God is to follow Him. This means living a life according to His teachings and commands and leading others to do the same.
Jesus stated clearly, “If anyone would come after me, let him… follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)
One of the most striking examples of this is the story of Matthew, a tax collector. He was seen as a sinner and an outcast by society. Yet, when Jesus called him to follow, he left everything and followed (Matthew 9:9). His life changed dramatically, and he became one of the twelve apostles, spreading the teachings of Jesus.
5. Maintain Your Faith
An essential step to surrendering to God is to continually maintain your faith. This involves trust in God’s plan for your life, even when things are difficult or don’t make sense. In Hebrews 11:1, faith is described as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
The story of Job in the Bible is an excellent example of maintaining faith.
Job was a man who experienced severe suffering, losing his wealth, his children, and his health. Yet, in all his trials, Job never lost his faith in God. He said, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15). Despite the extreme challenges he faced, Job held on to his faith in God, demonstrating the importance of maintaining our trust in God throughout our journey of surrendering to Him.
Maintaining faith isn’t always easy, especially during hard times, but it’s a crucial part of surrendering to God. It allows us to let go of our fears and doubts, trusting that God is leading us down the best path, even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time.
Frequently asked questions on how to surrender to God:
How do I fully surrender to God?
Fully surrendering to God means giving Him control over every part of your life. It’s like being the co-driver instead of the driver. You trust God to steer your life, even when the road is tough. You do this by forgetting about yourself, being ready to surrender, carrying His cross, following Him, and maintaining your faith.
How do I surrender to God spiritually?
Spiritual surrender to God involves growing your relationship with Him. This can be through prayer, reading the Bible, and meditation. You let God guide your spirit and align your desires and actions with His will. It’s like allowing God to be the compass of your spirit.
What does it mean to surrender to God?
Surrendering to God means letting go of your control and trusting God’s plans for your life. It’s like admitting that God is the captain of your life’s ship. It involves following His teachings, accepting the challenges that come with it, and keeping your faith in Him strong.
What happens when you surrender yourself to God?
When you surrender to God, you experience a shift in your life. Things might not become easier, but you find peace knowing God is in control. It’s like being in a storm but feeling calm because you trust the captain of the ship. You become more patient, kind, and forgiving, reflecting the teachings of Jesus in your life.
Why is it so hard to surrender to God?
Surrendering to God is hard because it goes against our human nature to be in control. We’re used to making our own decisions and relying on ourselves. Surrendering to God is like giving someone else the remote control to your life’s TV. It requires trust and faith, which can be challenging to give fully.
What surrender to God feels like?
Surrendering to God feels like a weight lifted off your shoulders. Even when things are hard, you feel peace because you trust God’s plans. It’s like floating on water. You don’t need to struggle to stay afloat; you can trust the water to hold you up. It brings a sense of calm and deep-seated joy, knowing you’re following the path God has laid for you.