Understanding Our Need for Surrender:
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” (Romans 7:18, KJV)
God-control—surrendering our thoughts, emotions, and actions to the Holy Spirit—is a transformative gift that shapes every aspect of our lives. Yet for many of us, including myself, learning to trust and yield to God remains an ongoing journey of faith.
When we try to maintain “self-control” instead of surrendering to God, we often face:
- Relying on our limited wisdom rather than God’s perfect guidance.
- Carrying unnecessary burdens, which He wants to bear for us.
- Falling into worldly patterns instead of godly living.
- Missing opportunities for spiritual growth in relationships.
- Struggling with anxiety and fear instead of trusting God’s sovereignty.
- Making decisions based on emotions rather than biblical principles.
- Resisting change and growth due to comfort in familiar patterns.
- Focusing on temporal satisfaction over eternal significance.
- Neglecting prayer and Scripture study in busy seasons.
- Comparing ourselves to others instead of seeking God’s unique purpose.
This list could go on, but the point is clear. While we often convince ourselves that we can manage our lives alone, honest self-reflection reveals that life works better when God is in control.
Now that we have established the basic necessity of God’s Control, here are five ways to cultivate a life surrendered to God.
5 Ways to Cultivate God-Control:
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:7, KJV)
Just as Jesus teaches us that abiding in Him and letting His words abide in us leads to answered prayers, these practices have helped me develop a closer relationship with God and learn to surrender control. When we truly abide in Christ, our desires align with His will, making our prayers more powerful and effective. Here are five transformative approaches and how it relates to abiding in Christ:
1 – Seek His Purpose First:
Just as Jesus teaches in John 15:7 about abiding in Him and His words abiding in Us, seeking God’s purpose means immersing ourselves in His Word. When we prioritize this divine connection, our prayers and desires naturally align with His will. This intentional time spent in His presence, studying Scripture, and listening for His guidance ensures His words truly abide in us, leading to answered prayers and a transformed perspective.
2 – Practice His Presence:
The promise that “ye shall ask what ye will” comes from a place of constant communion with God. Recognizing and responding to the Holy Spirit’s leading helps us maintain this abiding relationship throughout our day. As we practice staying connected to the Vine, we become more attuned to His voice and better able to pray according to His will.
3 – Submit Your Emotions:
When Jesus speaks of His words abiding in us, this includes letting His truth govern our emotions. Emotional surrender becomes more manageable when we remember that abiding in Christ means allowing His peace and wisdom to guide our responses. As His words take root in our hearts, our emotional life increasingly aligns with His character.
4 – Establish Spiritual Habits:
The concept of abiding in Christ requires consistent spiritual practices. Just as a branch must remain connected to the vine, our habits of prayer, worship, and Scripture reading keep us connected to our source of life. These practices help ensure both conditions of John 15:7 are met – we abide in Him, and His words abide in us.
5 – Walk in Community:
While John 15:7 speaks of individual connection with Christ, this relationship flourishes in the community. Fellow believers help us stay accountable to abiding in Him and keeping His Word central in our lives. Together, we can better understand and apply His teachings, supporting each other in maintaining that vital connection to the Vine.
How It Relates To You:
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV)
Like many of us, you might find yourself in a cycle of fear – trying to maintain control through your power in various areas of life, whether with food, relationships, work habits, or emotional responses. While this desire for control is deeply human, it often leads to frustration and exhaustion as we face repeated setbacks.
According to 2 Timothy 1:7, our attempts at self-control through willpower alone frequently fail because we operate from a place of fear rather than God’s power. When self-control succeeds through our strength, it gives us reason to boast and ultimately falls short. Instead, God calls us to a journey of surrender, where His power, love, and sound mind guide our choices. True self-control is God-control!
When you release your grip on controlling outcomes and instead allow the Holy Spirit to guide your choices with His power, love, and sound mind, you’ll discover a freedom that no amount of willpower could achieve. Start small—perhaps by surrendering your morning routine to God or pausing to pray before making decisions. As you practice this surrender in everyday moments, you’ll begin to experience the peace and power that comes not from a spirit of fear but from living in God’s control rather than your own.
Reflection Questions:
- In what areas of your life do you try to maintain control through willpower rather than surrendering to God?
- Which of the five ways to cultivate God-control feels most challenging for you, and why?
- How can you practice surrendering one specific area of your life to God’s control today?
Scripture to Remember:
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV)
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us that true transformation comes not through our strength but through complete surrender to God’s wisdom and guidance. As we learn to surrender control to God, we must recognize that this process unfolds differently for each believer, shaped by our unique circumstances and God’s perfect timing. This journey becomes the foundation for deep spiritual growth and lasting transformation.
- We need daily commitment to trust in God’s perfect timing, even when His plans differ from our expectations – remembering that His understanding far exceeds our own.
- We need steadfast perseverance through trials, knowing that challenges strengthen our faith and teach us to rely on His guidance rather than our limited wisdom.
- We need humble acceptance of His grace in our moments of weakness and vulnerability, acknowledging that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
- We need unwavering courage to follow His leading, even when the path seems uncertain, trusting He will direct our paths.
- We need consistent practice of surrender, letting go of our desire to control outcomes, and instead allowing Him to guide us at every step.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me surrender control to You. Guide my thoughts, emotions, and actions through Your Holy Spirit. Teach me to trust Your wisdom instead of my own, and to find peace in Your presence. Thank You for giving me power, love, and a sound mind through Christ.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
