Surrender means leaving the future to God. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths“ (MEV).
What area of your life is not surrendered to God? You’ve surrendered the kitchen and the living room. But what about the bedroom of your life? What about the closet of your life? What about the garage of your life? What area of your life is not surrendered?
Some of you have not surrendered your sex life. You say, “I know God says sex is only for marriage, but I’m going to do it my way.” That’s why you’re under stress.
Some of you have not surrendered your finances to God. “I know God says that I should give the first 10 percent back to him, but I can’t afford to tithe.” And that’s why you’re under stress.
Some of you have not surrendered your relationships to God. “I know I should forgive that person who hurt me, but I’m not about to forgive them.” That’s why you’re under stress.
Some of you have a secret sin that you have not surrendered to God. You have a habit that you have not surrendered to God. You have a hurt or a hang up that you have not surrendered to God.
Some of you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ. You’ve never surrendered yourself to be baptized. You haven’t found a church family.
Surrender is holding up the white flag and saying, “God, the war’s off. I’m not going to fight you any more. I want serenity, not stress.”
Aren’t you tired of being at war with God? I would think so. Wave your white flag. Surrender is the ultimate expression of faith.
Talk It Over
- What area of your life is not surrendered to God?
- Why do you think unconfessed sin causes stress?
- What steps do you need to take today to surrender to God the thing that has caused you the most stress?
Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including The Purpose Driven Church and The Purpose Driven Life, read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries.
For the original article, visit rickwarren.org.
