Did you know surrender is not giving up? It’s giving over!
Surrender says, “God, I release my grip, not because I’m weak, but because I trust that You are strong.”
It’s not defeat. It’s divine alignment.
Control is a heavy burden. We wear it like armor, trying to protect ourselves from disappointment, heartache, or fear. But that armor becomes a cage, and joy can’t breathe inside it.
I used to cling to plans, timelines, and expectations. I thought if I could just work harder or pray longer, I could make things turn out the way I imagined. But the more I gripped, the more I ached.
Until I heard the whisper: “Let go. I’ve got this.”
My Story: The Release
For the longest time, I lived my entire life trying to fix every situation I faced as well as situations others were facing. As an empath, I would carry other people’s burdens because I wanted to make it “better” for them. I wasn’t looking for credit, I just thought it was the right thing to do. That’s how I was wired.
Meanwhile, I was carrying my own pain. I thought it was my job to fix the pain points and correct the wrongs of the world.
Mentally, it was as though I had a “mind genie.” I would create scenarios in my head, rehearse conversations, strategize solutions, and try to hold everything (and everyone) together. But it only led to anxiety, exhaustion, and eventually depression.
One morning, I sat with open hands in prayer, tears streaming down my face. I whispered:
“God, I surrender this to You. I don’t know how to fix it, but I trust You will redeem it.”
At that point, I was 44 years old, had been a Christian for 12 years and was still learning to lean on the Lord. Learning that I didn’t have to carry anyone else’s burdens, nor my own burdens alone.
The peace didn’t come instantly, but the pressure lifted. And in that sacred space and time, joy found room to bloom.
What God Taught Me About Surrender
Surrender is strength. It takes courage to trust God with what you can’t control.
Surrender brings peace. When you stop striving, you start resting.
Surrender opens your hands. When your grip loosens, blessings can flow in.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5–6
What I Want for You
If you’re holding something tight, like a relationship, a dream, or a fear, know that God doesn’t want you to carry it alone.
God is trustworthy.
God sees the whole picture.
God is working, even when you release control.
I’d love to hear from you: “What are you holding onto that God is asking you to release?”
Share in the comments. I’d be honored to pray for you.
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Control for me looks like a paralyzing fear of letting people down. I am needing to surrender the curse of people-pleasing and trust my worth to Jesus, entirely. Grateful for your prayers in that area. ❤
God divinely appointed the timing of your writing. Once again, I feel totally blessed and grateful for your beautiful and needed writing. Thank you, Tina!