Surrender is the key to everything God wants to do in and through us. Surrender isn’t weakness; it’s the key to unlocking His strength in us.
GOD DOESN’T ASK US TO BE PERFECT; HE ASKS US TO TRUST HIM.
LUKE 5:1-11 NIV [1] One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. [2] He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. [3] He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. [4] When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” [5] Simon answered, “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” [6] When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. [7] So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. [8] When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” [9] For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, [10] and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” [11] So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
THREE THINGS THAT KEEP US FROM SURRENDERING AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM
ONE | PRIDE - WE THINK WE KNOW BETTER.
Trust God even when it doesn’t make sense. Maybe you’ve been trying to handle things your way: friendships, relationships, work, sports, grades, but it’s time to let God take the lead.
Revival starts when we stop saying, “I know best,” and start saying, “God, I trust You.”
TWO | FEAR - WE’RE AFRAID TO LOSE CONTROL
Fear shows up in your life when you avoid stepping out; maybe you don’t want to share your faith because you’re scared of being judged, or you hold back from trying something new because you don’t want to fail. Trust God in those moments.
“True faith isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the courage to take the next step, even when you’re afraid.” - Chris Hodges
Influence happens when you push past fear and trust God to show up.
THREE | COMFORT - WE DON’T WANT TO LEAVE WHAT’S COMFORTABLE.
Maybe God’s calling you to invite someone to church, join a team, or speak up for what’s right at school or at work. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s where God works the most.
“God is far more interested in who you’re becoming than what you’re doing. Growth happens in the uncomfortable spaces.” - Francis Chan
Hope spreads when we step out of our comfort zones and trust Jesus to use us.
THREE TRUTHS WHEN YOU SURRENDER
ONE | SURRENDER BRINGS REVIVAL.
Stop trying to “fix” yourself before you come to God. Let Him work in your heart, and He’ll start a revival in you that spreads to others.
TWO | SURRENDER BUILDS INFLUENCE.
Your influence isn’t about being popular; it’s about pointing people to Jesus. When you surrender your life to Him, He uses you to make an eternal impact.
THREE | SURRENDER BROADCASTS HOPE.
When you surrender to Jesus, people will notice something different about you and want to know where your hope comes from.
Revival starts in you. Influence happens through you. Hope is shared because of Jesus in you.
What’s holding you back from surrendering? Your pride? Your fear? Your comfort?
Josh House is a Baptist minister to youth and children. He is a longtime contributor to the Tate Record.
