By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  07/01/20

The wisdom of God usually confounds man’s intellect. In fact, some of the greatest Truths in the Bible are paradoxical. Giving away things does not seem like the best way to receive blessing. And it does not seem right to show mercy and kindness toward those who do wrong to us. But these are actions believers are encouraged to take, and God promises blessings to those who do them.

However, one of the most difficult Biblical Truths to understand is this: To truly take back your life, you must surrender it to God. In order for us to live in freedom, free from bondage to sin and Satan, we must make ourselves subject to Christ.

Jesus’ moment of victory came when He surrendered His life on the cross. When Jesus committed His Spirit into God’s hands, He relinquished control and let God work the most amazing triumph in the history of mankind. No longer would people have to pay the just penalty for their sins. Suddenly, there was forgiveness for all who would receive it through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Likewise, our moment of victory comes when we decide to give away our lives. When we make the conscious decision to quit trying to run our own lives and allow God to have control, we win. Our cry of weakness is actually our greatest moment of strength. It is the point when we stop trying to be good Christians and rather internalize the Gospel—understanding our need for a Savior and our utter inability to save ourselves. This is when we truly invite the grace of God to work in our lives so that the Holy Spirit transforms us day by day into the likeness of Christ as we submit to God.

Surrendering to God does not mean you are weak. On the contrary, it means you are a person who knows where your greatest strength lies.

Prayer: Lord, make Your Truth real in my life today, and help me understand the power that comes when I surrender fully to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25).