What is God calling you to do? A closer walk with him? A new focus on your marriage? More spiritually intentional parenting? A new career? A new area of service? Are you following God’s call? Do you fear that saying “yes” to God will make you say “no” to something or someone else? Are you afraid to surrender? Why?

The need to have complete control is the enemy of surrender. You may be one of those who desire that kind of control. You need to have things buttoned up. You need your life tightly scheduled. “Flexible” has never been a word used to describe you. Exhausting, isn’t it? Surrendering to God and his direction is exactly what God calls us to do.

Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Real freedom is only found in surrender. Relinquishing control to God allows us to take a deep breath. The pressure to perform is deflated. God is in charge, not us. When he leads the way, there is liberty to follow. Surrendering to God is true worship. It is countercultural. It is transforming and renewing. Surrendering to God’s will is the only place of contentment. It’s the place where you find “what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

If you try to please people, you cannot please God (Galatians 1:10). You will need to spend time in his Word, time talking to him. You will need to let others speak into your life and help you discern what God is calling you to do. It may not be easy. It may take some time. Addressing the fear of surrender will allow you to experience what it’s like to be free.

Father,
I don’t want to let go. I want to be in charge. I want to make sure I have a tight grip on all the areas of my life. I confess that relinquishing control frightens me. Please give me your strength to hand over control and experience the freedom of following the living God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.