God often uses surrender as the pathway to transformation in our lives. When we relinquish control and submit to His will, we open the door for divine elevation. This concept is beautifully illustrated in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. By surrendering our limited perspectives, we allow God to direct our paths toward abundant life.
In our journey of faith, surrender doesn’t mean a lack of action; rather, it is an active decision to align ourselves with God’s purposes. Jesus exemplified this in the Garden of Gethsemane when He submitted to God’s will, saying in Luke 22:42, “not my will, but yours be done.” His perfect obedience through surrender ultimately led to salvation for humanity. We, too, can experience elevation through our own moments of yielding.
Surrender invites God’s presence into our struggles. When we face challenges, our instinct may be to resist or control the situation. However, Philippians 4:6-7 teaches us to present our requests to God and, in turn, receive peace that transcends understanding. This peace is a marker of God elevating us above our circumstances, confirming that He has the power to change our situations through our release of control.
Moreover, when we surrender our dreams and ambitions, we create space for God to fulfill purpose in our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has plans for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us hope and a future. Surrendering does not signify defeat; it signifies trust in God’s greater plan, enabling us to experience an elevation that aligns us closer to love’s beautiful heart.
The transformation that comes through surrender can redefine our identities. In Galatians 2:20, Paul writes, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This profound statement reflects the reality that relinquishing our outdated selves leads to a new Christed life. Our old ways fade, and we are elevated to a life characterized by purpose and meaning.
In our spiritual walk, it’s crucial to understand that disobedience can stifle growth in our relationship with God. 1 Samuel 15:22 states that obedience is better than sacrifice. (Service is obedience, while servitude is sacrifice.) When we cling to our ways, we miss out on the transformative journey God desires for us. Surrender, however, paves the way for blessings and elevation beyond our comprehension.
Additionally, in surrendering our relationships and personal conflicts, we can experience a breakthrough. Matthew 5:9 calls us to be peacemakers. When we submit our desires for revenge or control over others to God, we see authentic healing and restoration unfold in our lives and relationships. Through this act of surrender, we’re elevated to a place of harmony that is only possible with God’s intervention.
Moreover, surrender can elevate our calling. As we let go of our personal aspirations, God can align us with divine assignments. Romans 12:2 encourages us not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by renewing our minds. This renewal often begins with the surrender of our preconceptions and desires, allowing God to craft our true calling.
Ultimately, embracing surrender fosters trust in God’s sovereignty. In Isaiah 55:8-9, God reminds us of thoughts and ways that are higher than ours. This assurance can transform our fears into faith, propelling us toward a life that is elevated by divine guidance rather than hindered by our limitations.
In conclusion, the journey of surrender is an invitation to let God elevate and change our lives. Through moments of yielding, we experience growth, peace, and purpose that surpass our understanding. The call to surrender is not a call to disengagement, but rather to engage with the fullness of life that God has in store for us.
Love and life,
Dr. Rev. Jenine Marie Howry
References
- Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Biblica.
- Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2011). Crossway.
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 