A Story of Surrender

At the start of 2018, I prayed for something I had never done before – I committed and surrendered the whole of the year to the Lord.

For a control freak like me, that was a milestone in my spiritual life.

I had always tried to plan things ahead – days, weeks, months and even years in advance.

For example, back in 2017, I already had travel plans for 2018, 2019 and 2020.

But as I experienced spiritual growth in recent years, I have started to think more of what God would want me to do, and not just what I wanted to do.

I still have plans and dreams, but I no longer just pray for what I want to happen.

I have started seeking God. I have started asking Him for directions, for guidance. I tell Him my dreams and aspirations, my immediate goals and long-term plans. Along with those, however, I ask Him to take control. That His will be done over mine. That He tell me what He wants me to do, where He wants me to go.

I have surrendered control of my life to Him.

And whatever His answers to my prayers will be – be it a Yes, No, or Wait – I pray for a grateful heart, for patience, for understanding, and for endurance, as His will prevails in my life.

Now, whenever I think of the future’s uncertainties, I have peace and confidence that everything will be okay because God is in control.

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.
Corrie ten Boom

I no longer dread or panic as much as I used to, when I think of things not going my way. I still worry, of course, but it has eased because I know the One who sees the future, the One who knows all things, the One who is all powerful, He is in control of my life.

Not me with my limited understanding. Not me with my mistakes and blunders. Not me with my narrow perspective. The sovereign Lord is.

And you know what? I will always remember 2018 as the first year I have fully committed to Him – and the one that has brought me true contentment and joy, compared with the previous years.

Yes, there were ups and downs, blessings and challenges – and we were grateful for both. For we know all things work together for good to them that love God.

This 2019, once again, we’re surrendering our lives and our will to Him.

We may not always like or want what He has in store for us, but we can be secure in the knowledge that He knows what is best for us.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 King James Version (KJV)