Surrender 101Sýnishorn

On a recent trip to my daughter’s house in Florida, I was in my granddaughter’s room and saw all the new things she had collected since my last visit. She had a lovely, decorated box with a lid sitting on top of one end of her dresser. I asked her what was in the box. She then politely told me it was her “God Box.” I lifted the lid quietly to see she had several little slips of paper in her special box. Respecting her privacy, I abstained from reading any of her concerns. But I wondered what a young child had to be anxious about. I don’t remember being ten, but I’m sure I was worried at that age, too. I entered my other grandkids' rooms, which also had a “God Box.”

An immediate peace came over my heart to know that they were learning how to release their worries to the Lord. Philippians 4:6-7 came to mind as I stood quietly praising God for the privilege of prayer. A beautiful rest came over my heart when I silently repeated the verse to myself. I was also grateful that the Lord prompted me to memorize the verses earlier this year. I was so moved by the holy moment; I was inspired to come home and make my own “God Box.”

Prayer is not a test of our will but a rest in our relationship with the Lord.

The act of surrender isn’t a “once in a lifetime” but an “all the time” action. You can build a habit to place your cares into God’s hands and leave them there. Learn to let your worries go. Surrender has a domino effect. It affects everything it touches, releases, and lets go of. When we release our will to God, He will act on our behalf. When you want what God wants, He will give you the desires of your heart. The greatness of a man’s power is in his surrender.

Therefore, surrender isn’t a one-and-done life; it’s a daily denying of your will, mind, and emotions. It’s used in our consistent daily walking out of our faith. Most of us fear the loss of our hopes, dreams, and ambitions should we ever submit ourselves entirely to God. But if we hold onto it tightly, God can’t use what we won’t release to Him.