Do You REALLY Surrender All?

We’ve Been Deceived

When women discuss pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood one of the most avoided words today is surrender.

I have observed conversations between women and seen them fidget and roll their eyes at the mention of it.

But why does the challenge to be surrendered to God in these areas of life stimulate haughty eyes and a defiant spirit in women?

Isn’t surrender something we should all be striving for in every area of our lives? We are not to be compartmentalizing certain areas of our life from our Lord’s presence or control.

Instead our Lord Jesus says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

Doesn’t that verse speak clearly to surrendering all our lives?

The word surrender, when used as a verb (without object), is defined as to give oneself up, as into the power of another; submit or yield.

I think that we have been deceived into believing that if we surrender we must have lost something. Redefining surrender in our mind is empowering because once we realize the truth and we truly surrender to Christ, we get to experience MORE of Him living in and through us.

The truth is that if we believe the lie that to surrender means we have lost a battle, we will be living oppressed from the abundant life that God has waiting for us IN HIS WILL!

When we realize that to give oneself up as into the power of another, namely God, we allow Him to take control and actually work through us.

It is liberating to see that surrender is not oppressive, but rather empowering! I believe that is why the enemy has tried so hard to deceive us from frowning on this word and concept of surrender. He knows what God is capable of through you if you surrender to God and it frightens him.

As we yield to God’s will, He will be a light unto our path, directing our every step. In fact, Jesus even teaches us that we can experience His Spirit do even greater things through us here on earth.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” John 14:12, KJV

Mary’s Example of Surrender

As we think about surrendering our lives to God, we can be challenged by the example that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was as she surrendered her life to the will of the Father. She was not immortal, but human, just as we are. And her response as recorded in scripture is compelling and convicting.

^“And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:28-38, ESV

Mary, must have experienced fear as an unmarried virgin, who would be with child? How would the culture react? Her parents? Her betrothal? The angel did not tell her he would visit Joseph or her parents and prepare them for her pregnancy. She walked in complete faith and surrender.

Surrender as a Woman of God

Do we view, or even respond to the call of pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood with the same kind of surrender?

“I am your servant, let it be to me according to your word?”

Convicting isn’t it?

Surrender is a choice and we have to make it. We need to understand that true surrender, being under the headship of Christ, and living our lives for Him means we no longer live our lives for our selves or what is comfortable.

True surrender is letting go and letting God!

What does surrender look like regarding pregnancy and childbirth?

In my opinion, it may be different for every woman. For some, surrender may mean they trust the Lord in having another baby. For another, it may mean trusting God to give them the courage to endure the pain of childbirth without man-made pain killers. And for another, it might mean letting go of a dream for a natural birth because of an emergency.

What does surrender look like in motherhood?

Countless women desire to be THAT mom- the mom that will lay it all down, her agenda, her expectations, and even her heart’s desire in order to follow God’s lead. Will you do that?

Will you surrender your will and trust God, following His?

Will you be diligent to seek after God with all your heart mind, soul, and strength, planning and preparing every part of your being to be ready to receive this gift from God?

After you make your birth plan, will you be faithful to give it back to God, with a heart anticipating God’s best for you and your baby?

Mom, what is that you are holding on to, taking control of, and doing in your own strength?

What is that God is asking you to surrender?

“But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” Isaiah 64:8, KJV

After reading Mary’s response to God’s call of servanthood in mothering the Lord, it is easy to see why God choose her to be Jesus’ earthly mother. Her ability to trust Him, and respond with such faith immediately is convicting. There was no, “let me pray about it and I’ll get back to you.” Her response was immediate, no hesitation, but instead obedience and a willingness to serve.