7 Days After Camp: How to live out of an encounter with GodSample

DAY THREE - SURRENDER

LANI 

Surrender to me means giving up all that I am for all that God is. 

When I think of surrender, I think of the ultimate surrender that Jesus demonstrated - dying on the cross for our sins.

We are in a relationship with God, and relationships work both ways. If Jesus first surrendered so that we could come into relationship with Him, we should surrender too so that we can receive what He’s done for us. This means, metaphorically, dying to your old self so your new self can flourish in God. I believe that’s what Jesus was talking about in verse 23, when He talked about denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily to follow Him.

This is basically saying that if we can surrender the way we want to control our lives, believe in God and live by Jesus’ example, we can truly grow in Him! I think that in our daily lives, if we can live in surrender, we would be able to encounter God on greater levels! 

So, here are some points on how you can live in surrender:

1.      Worship

Worship stirs hunger positions you in a place of surrender. Your focus draws you near to Him and He draws near to you. (James 4:8)

2.      Seek First

By seeking God, your focus is taken off other things and put on Him. He becomes number one, kinda like your Snapchat BFF, but in all areas of your life. (Matthew 6:33) Then, what He wants becomes what you want too. 

3.      Trust

God has a plan for you, trust in Him. (Jeremiah 29:11). Holding things back from God restricts us from receiving all that God has for us. (Proverbs 3:5)

 4.     Prayer

Through speaking to God one on one, we can give Him our thoughts, desires and troubles. 

(Phil 4:6-7)

If we surrender to God our fear, distraction, insecurities, hatred, control, comparison or hurt, Holy spirit can move in us and make room for peace, focus, trust, generosity, joy, love and kindness. 

For me personally, being in Year 12, I was feeling loads of stress about my future. Especially whilst having family problems, I became very overwhelmed. I didn’t know how to deal with it or control it. But once I realised that God is in control, not me, I began to put my focus on Him. I surrendered the burden and He replaced it with so much peace!

I know God wants to do the same in your life! So, if you’re feeling like something is holding you back from God, I want to encourage you to start living in surrender and give it to God!