Surrender…it’s something that we like to talk about and sing about, but how often do we follow through with action? If I am being totally honest with you, sometimes in life my soul cannot sing songs like “I Surrender All.” In fact, a few weeks ago at church, they concluded the service with the song “More Like Jesus.” It started out lovely…
“You came to the world You created
Trading Your crown for a cross
You willingly died
Your innocent life paid the cost
Counting Your status as nothing
The King of all kings came to serve
Washing my feet
Covering me with Your love”
Yes, and Amen! So far, so good. I totally agreed with the truth these lyrics proclaim. Then the song continued…and here is where my singing stopped…
“If more of You
Means less of me
Take everything
Yes, all of You
Is all I need
Take everything”
Wait, hold up….take everything? Seriously? My soul could not sing those lyrics. What if God takes away my comfort? My plans for the future? My treasured earthly possessions? My family? My reputation? My pride? What if he calls me to live a life of vulnerability and to surrender the mask that I wear so well?
The idea of surrendering everything to God sounds nice, but when the rubber meets the road, it seems scary. I’ve been praying for God to use me to build up his kingdom, but along with those prayers, I have set conditions and limitations. “God, please use me to build your kingdom, but I still want to live in comfort. I want to build your kingdom, but I also want people’s approval, and I certainly do not want to be seen without my mask.” All along, I’ve been putting God in a box and fooling myself into believing that I want to be used to build up the kingdom when, in reality, I am only willing to be used in a way that meets certain conditions.
Why does it seem scary to surrender everything to God? I think it boils down to how I view God. If I had full confidence in my heart what I know to be true in my head, it wouldn’t be that hard at all! In my head, I know God is a good Father, who lavishes His kids with wonderful gifts. (Matthew 7:11) These gifts may not be material possessions or an easy life, but they are good. I would dare to say they are even better than having loads of money and a life of ease. The gifts that He gives are priceless gifts. Gifts like salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), eternal life (Romans 6:23), forgiveness (Micah 7:18-19), wisdom (James 1:5), peace (John 14:27) and victory (1 Corinthians 15:57)…just to name a few! I pray that the Holy Spirit would work in my heart and lead me to a place of full and confident surrender to the Lord in everything…for that is where I believe life gets exciting!
What about you? Have you placed conditions on your availability to be used by God? What’s keeping you from total surrender? What’s holding you back? Are you willing to be vulnerable with others and remove your mask? I would encourage you to spend time in prayer, asking God to show you what you are holding onto. He is trustworthy! He loves you and truly wants the best for you!
Well written and challenging blog. Praying for you as you walk the road of surrender and without your mask. I believe that in this environment that you will truly blossom and produce much fruit. Numbers 6 v 24 – 27
Honest assessment and I’m certain you are not alone in this. I’m finding true surrender is impossible without the graceful help of our Savior. He gently and lovingly takes from the clutch of my hands, little by little, the things that I’ve deemed “safe” but are in reality the very walls that are restricting me from the fullness of life in Christ.
Great post, Lauren. I loved the part about the ability to surrender being attached to our capacity to trust. If we know God is truly good and has our best interests at heart then we can just fall back into Him without fear. May His love wrap around you like a blanket.