I struggle when I hear the word surrender, which involves giving up something to gain everything. My struggle originates in my desire to have or be in control of my life. For me, surrendering to God meant giving up my goals or plans for my life and adopting God’s vision for my future, which is sometimes a moment-by-moment battle!
Proverbs 3:5-6 states: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This is one of my favorite passages that I memorized growing up. Trust requires knowledge. If I do not know that there is a chair that can support me, I will not even consider sitting on it, let alone placing my full weight on it. I cannot trust that which I do not know; therefore, to trust God requires that I get to know Him. I get to know God through studying His word: the Bible.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV) shares: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” My moment-by-moment battle is won by transforming my mind, which requires daily study of God’s word. As I study the Bible, I see that God is for His people and has good plans for their lives. (Sadly, this does not mean that the Christian life will be all sunshine and rainbows). However, the more that I dig into God’s word, the more my mindset changes. I dare you to test this for yourself.
Surrendering to God can be difficult, but as Christians, we are called to do so. The best way that I can surrender is by learning more about God through studying His word, the Bible. When I dive deeply into the Bible, I learn who God is and can trust Him to carry me through my days.
-Dr. Elissa Rogers (a contributing writer and member of the COBI community)
Comments