My first thought was this: I don’t surrender well. This isn’t entirely true. (I’m hard on myself.) I’ve been struggling, but I struggle just about as much as any other person does. I’m still moving forward. I’ve accepted Jesus and I appreciate surrender—that is, that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth, and that we submit our lives to Him.
I also understand that it’s in my best interest to do so, but I’m human, so I don’t always accept everything with cheers of joy. Thankfully, the Lord is really amazing at shifting one’s perspective! I need this help!
We’re not expected to learn and grow overnight or on our own. There aren’t many things in this world that do. I’m reminded of the rich man who asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. (Mark 10:17-31)
Because he called Jesus “Good teacher” the Lord questioned him, pointing out that only God is good. This is very significant. It reveals and reminds us of the true character of God; He is for us not against us; There is no evil in Him; He isn’t like man; He doesn’t lie; and there is no one that cares more for us than the Lord who is merciful, compassionate and forgiving. It also reminds us that we fall short of the glory of God.
After this, Jesus tells the man that he must obey God’s commandments. The man’s response was that he’d kept all these commands since he was young. I’m glad that Scripture points out here that as Jesus looked at him he felt genuine love for Him.
Next, the rich man is told that there’s one thing that he hasn’t done. Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, and he will have treasure in heaven. For a wealthy man this is a huge surrender! Because he was very wealthy, he didn’t want to part with his riches, so he walked away sad. He didn’t understand something: earthly riches won’t help us to aquire anything lasting.
What Jesus offers, however, does last. It lasts on through eternity. So we have a choice. Are we going to hold on to the desire for shallow earthly trappings, and walk away troubled. Or will we accept Jesus superior offer with the hope and joy of a new and abundant life.
How Jesus looks at this man (with love) tells us that He had his best interests at heart. Infact, Jesus went to the cross to ensure that we could surrender all to Him. To do this in our own strength is impossible for all of us. But with God all things are possible. That’s why we receive the Holy Spirit as our teacher and helper when we accept Jesus as our Lord.
Complete surrender really doesn’t happen overnight. Thus, God gives us a lifetime. However, life is short. Therefore, we must continue to ask Him for everything we need, that we may gain the wisdom to make wise choices and appreciate what we’ve gained.
Accepting Jesus as Lord (or the one who has authority over our lives) is always step one. It’s the most important step of surrender because for the rest of the journey we have His hand and help. Not only this, but we also have the guarantee that we will receive all that God promises to those who believe that Jesus is able to save. (Hebrews 7:25)
Jesus
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12
I Surrender All…
“I’m giving You my dreams
I’m laying down my rights
I’m giving up my pride
For the promise of new life.”
Surrender/ Vineyard Worship
(Photo credit goes to Pixabay user Free-Photos.)
Pippi's Poetry 
Thanks for the wisdom
Much needed it today
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Thank YOU Ritish. I hope your day is blessed. 🙂
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Love love love this! I always want to try and help God but He doesn’t need it and it is not true surrender.One other thot: bible says man is created in His image. What would happen if we really try to see His image in others. Hope you’re feeling better love ya
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Thanks so much Ronda! Yes, God doesn’t need our help. This makes me think of Mark Hall’s (From Casting Crowns) testimony. He said that God said to Him, “I don’t need you Mark. I want you.” God doesn’t need us to do His work. He wants to have a relationship with us. He wants us to be an intimate working partner with Him. That’s what makes surrender a blessing. Love you Ronda. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
“We are workers together with God, so we beg you: Do not let the grace that you received from God be for nothing. God says,
“At the right time I heard your prayers.
On the day of salvation I helped you.” Isaiah 49:8
I tell you that the “right time” is now, and the “day of salvation” is now. (We are workers together with God, so we beg you: Do not let the grace that you received from God be for nothing. God says,
(2 Corinthians 6:1-2 New Century Version)
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Such a beautiful post. I especially appreciate that you pointed out that complete surrender doesn’t happen overnight. Although we should continue striving for it, that helps us to extend grace to ourselves when we fall short. And I am so thankful that the Lord doesn’t give up on us. Thank you for this encouraging message my wannabe neighbor! ♥️
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Thank you so much Bridget! Yes, we should continue striving to surrender to God, but I’m so glad that He extends grace to us and allows us to be patient with ourselves as we learn. May we extend that same grace to those around us as well. God doesn’t give up on anyone. Blessings my sweet friend. ❤
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Complete surrender does not happen overnight- it sure is a process. We keep learning to keep on surrendering to Him every day. Letting go and letting God is one of the hardest things to do. We do like to be in control, but there is so much freedom and joy to be found when we surrender to Him.
Blessings Tina 🤗🌺
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Blessing to you too Manu! 😊🌸🤗🌸 Yes, we definitely do like to be in control, but you’re so right—there is freedom, and joy to be found when we surrender to Him. ❤
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We do have a lifetime to learn to surrender. The journey makes us, it shapes our faith. It’s wonderful to have you back. Hopefully you can make this work for you, so you get as much out of writing as we do reading your words ❤️
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Thanks so much Gary. If I can surrender to God I will definitely get so much out of writing. Thank you so much for the kind encouragement. ❤
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Good encouragement and wisdom!! Needed this reminder as I struggle with impatience.
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Love you Ali! 💕🌸🦋
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Tina, it is difficult for all of us to surrender to let go and let God. It is learning to change our perspective focus, on Him, rely on Him, and seek His direction. I often need to stop, rest, and take time to listen for God’s direction. Cyber hugs!💗💐🌺
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Yes, so true. Reliance on God and seeking His direction is the perspective and focus we need to learn. Thanks Jeanne. Cyber hugs back at ya! 💕🌸🦋
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following Jesus in this life is a series of moments where we surrender to his will
It is not easy, but the blessings are many
Love you daughter
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No, it isn’t easy. But you’re so right that the blessings are many. Love you too dad. 🙂❤
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Well written and expressed with a growing faith and a willing spirit! The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Thank you for the reminder it is a process! This reminds me as well of the fact “That God who began a good work in us is faithful to bring it to completion” God does not cast us away, he shapes and molds us. God Bless you!
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Yes, amen Tony. God doesn’t cast away. He absolutely finishes what He starts. That’s so comforting and reassuring when we are feeling weak. God Bless you too!
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