A Life of Surrender

“Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)

Every time I read these verses, the word surrender comes to mind. Personally speaking, surrender is not always easy. It involves letting go of the things I try to control. Letting go of my selfish desires and wants. Of my own plans and my own pursuits. Of the things I hold tightly in my hands that God is calling me to release. And it can be many other things for different people. But whatever it is for each of us, it requires a letting go and a letting God take control. Allowing Jesus to live His life through us. And choosing to trust and believe that God sees the bigger picture. That He is in control when things seem to be out of control. That He is working all things out for the good of those that love Him. That His ways are better and His thoughts are higher than ours. And that He gives good gifts and He will bring to pass His plans in His timing. It is the best and most rewarding exchange. And we are invited into this process every single day. To lay down our lives and live for the King of Kings. To choose to follow Him. To choose to surrender.