When we think of the word “surrender”, the image of a soldier waving a white flag in a battle may come to mind. We might imagine two opponents exhausted from round after round, and finally one taps out. The definition of ‘surrender’ in these analogies is about one opponent submitting to the other’s authority and rule, and that in no way seems cool. It’s common knowledge that the reason for most battles is about gaining or expanding territory. It’s about control and the increase of power. In this context, history has taught us that losing control in a battle can mean that you lose everything. So, these analogies help us understand the stakes. They hit the mark when it comes to life on earth, because it is indeed a battle, but surrendering to the Holy Spirit is not about losing the battle of life. He’s all about helping us win it! Trusting and understanding this truth will transform our lives.
God tells us in 1Peter 5:8(NLT), “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” God has given us this warning in His Word because His enemy, the devil, is our great enemy. He wants us to know that the devil’s aim is to devour us. Jesus Christ tells us in John 10:10 that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy; this is his main reason for being in the world. From the moment we hear God’s Word and allow it to sink deep within, satan’s aim is to steal it away from us. The way that you and I stand strong against the enemy’s attack is to do as God tells us in Ephesians 6:10-11(NLT), “10 Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”
Note that Ephesians 6:10 instructs us to be strong IN THE LORD. You and I don’t have any strength to call our own. Our strength comes from the Lord. Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, and that is where the victory in life lies; it lies in Christ. When we first believed that God resurrected His only begotten Son from the dead, and we confessed him as “Lord”, as it says in Romans 10:9-10, we received him into our hearts, and he saved us. We then must grow in Christ. 2Peter 3:18(ESV) tells us, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” We accomplish this by totally surrendering our days to the Holy Spirit every morning.
Jesus Christ said in John 16:13(NLT), “13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” Through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God made it possible for every born-again believer to receive His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit isn’t an abstract mist or haze. He is more of a person than you and I could ever possibly be. He is God’s Spirit, and Jesus Christ teaches us in John 14:26(NLT), “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
Our Lord and Savior had help as he walked the rocky terrain of earth. He withstood the name calling, slander, constant threats on his life, and suffering, and now is seated on the right hand of our Heavenly Father. There is no greater glory in all the universe. He did all this because he totally leaned on the Holy Spirit. Every morning he began his day with praying and surrendering to the Will of the Father, and this is what it means to surrender to the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance. He’s the One who leads, and we’re the ones who should follow.
The Holy Spirit is a gift from God, and we cannot live a successful Christian life without surrendering to the Holy Spirit and following His lead. Jesus Christ said in John 6:38(ESV), “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” This is what you and I must do. As we follow the Spirit of Christ—the Holy Spirit, we must give up our own will and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us through our lives. 1Corinthians 3:16 tells us that our bodies are God’s temple and the Holy Spirit dwells in us. Our flesh wants to be the boss and have its own way, but we must remain prayerful, be committed to read God’s Word, and surrender to the Spirit. He is our Helper, Teacher, Comforter, and Guide, and he will always lead us to victory, no matter what we face in life.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Surrender to the Holy Spirit”, written by KLizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2023. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.