Surrendering something to God is not a loss, but a triumph of love
and the gain of something so much better.
Not a Loss
Sometimes we think of sacrificing something for God in the same way we think about giving up a toy to our parents after we’ve been put in time out. We think of it as a punishment, and we do it begrudgingly. But, surrendering to God is not a punishment. It is an invitation to enjoy the gifts God has for us.
It is an invitation to peace found in communion with God.
It is an invitation to joy found when we let go of things that leave us empty.
It is an invitation to hope found when we look heavenward, to eternity with Jesus.
Matthew 16:25 says,
"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it."
A Triumph of Love
God has demonstrated his love for us already on the cross. What we need to do, as born-again believers, is love him enough to let go of things that hinder our relationship with him. We need to have a love for God so great that anything else pales in comparison: more followers on social media, approval from our peers, and success. It is all nothing compared to the everlasting life that God offers us. Surrender isn’t about obligation, it is about loving God more than we love ourselves.
The Gain of Something Better
In God’s generosity, he promises us something better than what we are called to sacrifice. He promises eternal life. 1 John 2:17 says,
“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
God knows things of the world end, so he gave us something that endures. All he asks us to do is give up what will surely end and live for what will go on forever. With the promise of eternal life comes hope, peace, and love. Nothing we’re called to surrender could give us any one of those things. God doesn’t just take from us, he gives what we could never find on our own.
I’m not going to say that surrender is easy, because it’s not. It goes against our human nature, it's countercultural, and it may not promote us in this world. However, I will say it’s worth it. By sacrificing things that this world considers treasures, we store up for ourselves treasures in heaven. Treasures that will not fade. It is not a loss when we surrender, it is a triumph of love and the gain of immeasurably more.
God,
Thank you for being so good. Thank you for the promise of eternal life and for calling me to live for a purpose greater than myself. Surrender is not a loss, but a gift from you, so I open my hands in surrender. I hold them open for you to take whatever hinders my relationship with you, and to receive what builds it. I love you, Lord.
Amen
You are going to help so many people understand the lords word! letting go of the unnecessary is something I struggle with sometimes and that can be feelings toward something or someone, or a distraction. Devoting more time in gods word has helped so much, it brings that peace you were talking about. Thank you for being you🫶🏼!