STEPS by John Ortbergಮಾದರಿ

THE DECISION: I THINK I'LL LET HIM

Welcome back. Today, we’re diving into one of the hardest, yet most life-giving, aspects of faith: daily surrender. This is Step Three.

It’s easy to talk about surrendering our lives to God. We might even feel peaceful for a moment after praying, “God, I give you everything—my future, my relationships, my will.” But then something happens: a worry creeps in, a situation doesn’t go our way, or someone pushes our buttons. Before we know it, we’ve taken it all back.

This cycle of surrender and taking back isn’t a failure—it’s a reality of the spiritual life. Jesus knew this and gave us simple yet profound instructions:

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Surrender isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a practice. Each moment of frustration, fear, or hurt is an invitation to release our grip and trust God again.

Jesus and the apostles teach us a radical way of living that often feels counterintuitive. When we naturally want to cling, we’re called to let go. When we want to defend, we’re called to confess. When we want to control, we’re called to surrender.

• If you want to be exalted, humble yourself.
• If you want to take revenge, forgive.
• If you’re angry, practice empathy.
• If you’re afraid, step forward in faith.

This is the way of Jesus: not following our automatic, ego-driven responses but instead choosing God’s way.

Consider: Where is surrender hardest for you? Is it in a relationship, a situation you can’t control, or your own habits and desires? Think about where you find yourself clinging to your own way instead of turning it over to God.

Remember, surrender isn’t weakness—it’s the gateway to freedom. When we turn it over to God, again and again, we find that He is faithful, and His way is always better.

See you tomorrow as we take on Step Four.

TODAY'S INVITATION:

1. Pause and Pray: Throughout your day, whenever you feel frustrated, afraid, or upset, pause. Take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, and pray, “God, I give this to you. Your will be done.”

2. Do the Opposite: When you’re tempted to act out of pride, fear, or anger, ask yourself, “What would it look like to follow Jesus here?” Then take a step in that direction.