The Strength Of Surrender

Submit yourselves therefore to God. (James 4:7)

William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, once said, “The greatness of a man’s power is in the measure of his surrender.” So let me ask you: How surrendered are you to your Savior? What does the confession of your life say about your surrender?

When God chooses someone for His service, He does not choose that person because of their strength. He chooses them because of their surrender, because it is only the surrendered heart into which God pours His strength.

Did you know that everyone lives a surrendered life? You simply cannot live life without surrendering to something. Either you will surrender your life to your Savior or you will surrender your life to yourself. See if any of the following resonate with you. Are you surrendered to . . .

• The applause of man?
• The pride of life?
• The pleasures of the flesh?
• The expectations of others?

Here is the truth about surrender: You are free to choose what you will surrender your life to, but you are not free from the consequences of that choice. Remember, you are because of God, but you are where you are because of the choices you have made in life. Have you chosen to surrender to Jesus? Or are you surrendered to yourself?

Abraham surrendered to God. Moses surrendered to God. Mary, the mother of Jesus, surrendered to God. Saul of Tarsus, who would become the apostle Paul, surrendered to God. The strength of their surrender was found in the One to whom they surrendered.

Years of walking with Jesus has taught me that there is nothing more powerful than a Savior-surrendered life. The people I encounter who have done the most in and for the Kingdom of God are the ones who are most surrendered to Jesus. They surrender their time, their talent, and their treasure, all to be used by God for His glory and the good of others. And do you know what? They are also some of the happiest people I have ever known.

If you want to live a life that truly matters, your life must be lived surrendered to your Savior — not just in one or two areas, but in every area of your life. By God’s grace, may this be the confession of our lives, regardless of the cost or the circumstance.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!