THE UPPER ROOM

SURRENDERING TO GOD: THE PATH TO TRUE FULFILLMENT

As Christians, many of us proudly claim the gift of salvation. We rejoice in being part of God’s family, secure in the knowledge that we are saved by grace. But there’s a profound difference between being saved and being surrendered. Salvation is the starting point, but surrender is the lifelong journey of giving every part of ourselves to Jesus Christ. It’s a choice—a daily, intentional decision to set aside our plans and embrace God’s perfect will for our lives.

THE CALL TO SURRENDER

Surrender is not a passive act; it’s a bold declaration of trust in God. Surrender means giving up all rights to the One who conquered sin and death—Jesus Christ. As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, God’s plans for us are for our good, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Unlike our own plans, which often lead to frustration or destruction, God’s path is one of purpose, peace, and eternal reward. Surrender is not always easy. It requires us to confront our sinful inclinations and make a conscious choice to seek God with all our hearts. Many of us have experienced a “come to Jesus” moment—a pivotal realization that living for ourselves leaves us empty, while surrendering to Christ brings true peace. As one pastor shared, reflecting on his 74 years of life, “I can see how everything worked out according to God’s plan, even when I went my own foolish way. God was ordering my steps, whether I liked it or not.

THE LEVELS OF SURRENDER

Surrender is not a one-time event but a deepening process. It begins with the Holy Spirit’s gentle drawing, leading us to salvation. From there, we are called to greater levels of surrender, each bringing us closer to God and empowering us to serve Him more effectively. The more we yield to Him, the more room we create for the Holy Spirit to work in us, transforming our self-centered nature into one that reflects Christ. Scripture is clear about this call: Romans 6:13 urges us to “offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.” Jesus Himself said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). This is not a polite suggestion—it’s a divine demand. God doesn’t ask us to consider changing; He commands us to surrender fully, trusting that His way leads to ultimate fulfillment and heavenly rewards.

LIVING ON A CONTINUUM

To surrender is to recognize that this life is just the first stage of our overall eternal existence. As eternal beings created in God’s image, we are not here merely to accumulate possessions or achieve personal success. Our purpose is far greater: to bear fruit for God’s Kingdom, to influence others for Christ, and to leave a legacy of disciples. In short, leave a legacy of influenced and changed people. Every one of us, regardless of our circumstances, has been uniquely designed for a divine purpose. As the preacher put it, “Your parents were chosen for you. You were made for such a time as this. There’s something God wants you to accomplish.” This perspective fundamentally alters how we view our lives. We are not living for the moment but for eternity. Every decision, every act of surrender, shapes not only our present but also our eternal reward. Galatians 2:20 captures this beautifully: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Our lives are a continuum, and surrender aligns us with God’s eternal plan.

THE PRACTICE OF SURRENDER

So, how do we live a surrendered life? It begins with spiritual practices that draw us closer to God. These are not mere rituals but intentional habits that transform our minds and hearts. Consider these practical steps:

· Prayer: Talk to God as you would a trusted friend. Share your struggles, seek His guidance, and thank Him throughout the day. Prayer doesn’t need to be formal—it’s a conversation with the Creator who is always available.

· Consistent Praise: Surround yourself with worship, whether through Christian music or speaking words of gratitude. As Psalm 22:3 says, God inhabits the praises of His people.

· Biblical Meditation: Repeat Scripture to yourself throughout the day. Let God’s Word sink into your heart and guide your thoughts. For example, pray 1 John 5:14–15 in the first person: “Lord, thank You for giving me a heart of worship and making me the man of God You want me to be.”

· Fasting: Explore fasting as a way to draw closer to God. It’s a powerful practice that humbles us and sharpens our spiritual focus.

· Faithful Church Attendance: Gathering with God’s people strengthens our faith and influences others. It’s a testimony of our commitment to Christ.

These practices are not obligations but privileges. As one preacher emphasized, “You get to do this. You get to commune with the Creator of the universe, 24/7, 365 days a year.” God is always accessible, ready to transform us through an intimate, daily walk with Him.

THE CHALLENGE OF SURRENDER

Surrender requires self-examination. Do you truly believe the Bible is God’s inerrant truth? If so, are you living it out? What habits or choices are keeping you from fully surrendering to God? We often rationalize our actions, saying, “I can give it up anytime,” or “God understands my situation.” But God calls us to let go of anything that separates us from Him. As Romans 12:1–2 urges, we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is true worship—a lifestyle of surrender.The rewards of surrender are profound. When we give up control, we enter God’s rest, finding peace amid life’s chaos. We experience deeper intimacy with Him, greater power in serving Him, and the assurance of eternal rewards. Surrender is not about losing ourselves but about finding our true purpose in Christ.

A CALL TO ACTION

If you’re holding back any part of your life from God, now is the time to surrender. Reflect on your choices and ask: Am I truly living for God’s will, or am I clinging to my own plans? Start small—read one verse a day, pray throughout your routine, or commit to consistent worship. These spiritual practices will deepen your relationship with God and transform your life. We conclude: “You were created for a purpose. You were made in God’s image, uniquely set aside for His plans. Surrender to Him, and let Him lead you into the abundant life He has promised.” Will you take that step today? Surrender fully to God, and discover the peace, purpose, and eternal reward that come from living for Him.

About the author: Rev. Dr. Nick Marica is the Vice-Chancellor of Amherst Theological Seminary, and he has a D. Min. from Amherst Theological Seminary. He has his MA from Liberty University in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is the author of the book: "The Walk Applied: Living the New Creation Life as a Citizen of God's Kingdom in a Secular World". He has also written "The Fasting and Prayer Handbook". Nick has been married to Kathy since 1985, and they are the proud parents of 3 children.

Contact Nick at nick.marica@srcministry.org

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