What does the word surrender say to you? Give up? Turn over control? Quit? This is not a word we humans like very much especially the turn over control part. Quitter, coward, weakling these are a few of the words we use to label ones who surrenders. When a criminal surrenders to the police it usually means going to jail. A defeated army that surrenders is at the mercy of the conquering army. History contains a number of examples of the results of surrendering. Unfortunately, humans’ surrendering to humans doesn’t always work out very well for the ones who surrender. Surrendering is at best a risky business when we talk of surrendering to each other. Surrendering to God is a different business.
God invites us to surrender, but he never demands it. He promises that if we do surrender to him he will improve our lives. Jesus offers: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) In this case surrendering might not be so bad.
I can personally attest that surrendering to Jesus is as he says. I was in the pit of despair some time ago feeling useless and lost. I finally sat down on a rock and said to God, “I can’t leave this rock without you.” I surrendered. From that moment my life changed. I am now useful, happy, and at peace in my soul. The longer I stay with him the more I realize these promises. And, he also has promised me eternal life. In my case surrendering has proven to be a good choice.
The invitation is there for you. Meditate on the above scripture and hear Jesus calling to you.