Welcome to “Going Deeper with the Word.” In this segment, we welcome people of all backgrounds, religious or not, to review the Word of God. The Word of God provides guidance, direction, and instructions for living our lives and walking with God.
Today, we examine how God’s Word provides clear guidance and direction about surrender and giving our hearts to God.
Let’s review examples of God’s Word that can lead and guide our steps and back up the principles we learned in today’s message. I will be reading scripture today from the Amplified Bible.
If you are watching this message online, we invite you to share your comments as we review each verse.
Here is our first verse.
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
Romans 12:1-2
In this verse, Paul explains the importance of surrender. We read that part of surrendering our lives to God is not just in our hopes, dreams, and plans but also in how we show up in the world. Surrender includes changing our hearts and minds to not conform to the ways of the world, but instead seek out the will of God which we know to be perfect.
One of the most difficult parts of surrender is letting go of habits, behaviors, and even relationships that allow us to be embedded in the world around us. God can help us to make this transition if we ask Him for strength.
When we surrender to God, let us embrace a way of living that is holy and pleasing to God.
Do you hesitate to surrender a part of your life to God? If yes, why? What is your fear of handing over control to God?
Let’s have a look at another verse.
“I am the true Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit].
John 15:1-2
In this verse, Jesus explains an aspect of surrender that may not be comfortable to hear at first, but when we consider the bigger picture it makes sense. When a branch is pruned from a fruit tree, it is removed so that the tree can be encouraged to grow and produce more fruit.
In a similar sense, when we decide to surrender to God, we find God may prune parts of our lives that are holding us back. We will of course, always have a choice in the matter, but when we choose to let go of things that are not aligned with surrender, we open the door for us to grow in ways we never imagined!
Are there areas of your life that you know are holding you back from a full walk with God? Describe one or more areas of your life that you know do not honor God, but struggle to think you can do without. Will you bring your concerns to God today?
Let’s look at one last verse.
For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
In this verse, we learn from the Lord Himself that He is fully aware of the plans He has for each and every one of us. He makes clear that these plans are not for disaster, but to provide a hopeful future.
Even as we know this to be true, I believe all of us may still feel there is an area of life that only we know what is best. It is our human nature. The more we are aware of this resistance to surrender, the more we can explore the opportunities to bring this feeling of resistance to God. God is loving and kind and will help us to maneuver through the thoughts and feelings about letting go.
Do you believe that God’s plans are the perfected plans for you? If no, why not? If yes, do you still find yourself holding on to plans and not surrendering them to Him?
Today’s message touched on a few of many reasons we can all stand to benefit from surrendering our lives to God. It is only human to feel hesitation in giving up complete control, but the more we give to God, the closer we are to what He envisions as a perfect life plan for us.
Thank you for taking the time to review these verses with me today. Please be sure to share in the comments how these or other examples of God’s Word have helped you with surrendering your life to God.
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Bless you!
