Let Go and Let God
Jeremiah 10:23 (KJV)
“Oh Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” – Jeremiah 10:23 (KJV)
Surrender and obedience go hand in hand. A heart truly surrendered to God will produce obedience.
Taking a look at the man Abraham in the Bible, we observe a man who surrendered to God through his obedience. In Hebrews 11:8 (NKJV), the Scripture says, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out not knowing where he was going.” In his act of obedience, we see a surrendered life. God was actually asking Abraham to leave his comfort zone, that is, his country, his people, his father’s house, and go somewhere else – without an inkling of a destination. Abraham obeyed.
The meaning of surrender is to submit to authority; it is to give oneself over. In our case, we are speaking of entrusting our lives, our plans, and our future to God. It is giving God our all, it is yielding to God our authority, it is allowing God to guide and direct us, it is aligning our will with His.
Abraham, not knowing where he was going, did as God instructed. The Scripture tells us to trust God with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). Abraham demonstrated this. Trusting in God is an act of surrender. When we trust God, we acknowledge that He is the All-wise God Whose ways are higher than ours and Whose thoughts are wiser than ours.
Friends, a surrendered life is a life of obedience. It is a life that is yielded to the Master. Note that even though Abraham was a yielded vessel, his obedience was tested. The very same God Who promised him a son blessed him with that son, Isaac, then asked him to offer that son (whom he loved) as a burnt offering (Genesis 22:2). God had also promised Abraham children through Isaac (Genesis 21:12), so how could he now be offered as a sacrifice? This did not make sense, but Abraham obeyed God. (We know how that experience ended).
Sometimes, we may have to give up things dear to our hearts, and we may have to do things that do not seem rational but be encouraged. Whatsoever God tells you to do, do it. Obedience brings blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).
I encourage us to learn from Abraham:
- Be ready to obey God (Genesis 22:1)
- Be obedient to God even when it doesn’t make sense (Genesis 22:2)
- Do as the Lord commands without delay (Genesis 22:3)
- Obedience is worship (Genesis 22:5)
- Trust God completely (Genesis 22:8,13)
Question: Are we truly surrendered to God? Learn to let go and let God!
Prayer
Father, today I place my all on Your altar. I present my body as a living sacrifice to You, Lord. Help me to walk in obedience and to acknowledge You in all my ways. Let me not lean on my own understanding but place all my trust and confidence in You, Heavenly Father. May the Holy Spirit increase in my life as I yield my everything to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Psalm 40:4; Jeremiah 17:5
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 36; Luke 4:14-37; Numbers 13:26-33; Numbers 14
