We’ll continue the Trusting God Series today talking about the surrendered heart. Often we struggle with trusting God because we don’t want to surrender to the unknown, or we’re just plain stubborn as we resist the leading of the Spirit. We fear surrendering to God will land us somewhere we never wanted to be. However, surrender is the door to trusting God.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says, ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.’” Isaiah 30:15

My husband stepped into the pulpit one Sunday morning at our church, and the Spirit whispered, “Your time here is over.” My husband was stunned by the timing, but he gathered his composure and went on with the rest of the service. We had spent seven years revitalizing this rural church in Minnesota. It is a grueling adventure to bring restoration and healing to a body of Believers. We left the church a healthier bunch. We had just received a raise and a clause in our contract that we could stay as long as we wanted. We assumed we would retire there, but God had other plans.

Once the shock wore off, we began to pray and ask God where we should go. We had never done this before and sought guidance from other ministry couples. Some said, “Pick where you want to live and send a resume.” They made it sound so simple, like we could just choose. Honestly, that seemed like scary advice. We didn’t want to go where we wanted; we wanted to go where God wanted us. We knew He had a plan, and we wanted to be surrendered to it.

So each day as we walked around the track in our little Community Center, we would pray, dream, surrender and release. We spent six months praying and anticipating where God would lead. Our hearts were full of expectation as we anticipated where God would direct us next. Ultimately, He led us to another church revitalization in Iowa, where we served for eleven years.

We have found living from a surrender heart brings the most peace. Living surrendered helps us understand that God is in control and we are not, nor do we need to be. If God is good, then He will always lead us to His best plans for us.

How about you? Have you ever thought about God’s plan for your life? He’s got plans put in place before you were created, good works that He longs for you to do. All He requires is your surrendered heart so He can lead you to all the goodness. Isn’t that an easier way to live than marching forward with your own plan?

How to live surrendered:

• When you’re experiencing anxiety, frustration, and lack of peace, it could be because you want your way more than you want God’s. Do you sometimes feel God will want you to sacrifice something you don’t want to give up if you surrender? If so, talk to Him about this.

• Trusting God comes from a place of quiet surrender. We cannot trust what we are not surrendered to. And who or what is better to surrender to than our all-powerful, wise, compassionate, kind, loving God? Does He not give good gifts to His children? Is He not capable of orchestrating every thing in your life, including the difficult and defeating?

• The ability to surrender comes from being with God. Time in God’s presence as you talk about your struggles or fears will bring healing. When we draw near and hear God’s heart, we can trust. So, if you spend no time with God, you will feel fearful, overwhelmed, and anxious.

• Know God looks on you with eyes of compassion as you struggle to surrender and trust. He’s not upset, and you haven’t disappointed Him. He simply wants you to see Him in a new way.

• Try to maintain an attitude of quiet and rest as your learning to surrender. Imagine a child sitting on their fathers lap. They’re content, safe, and held. It’s the same posture we can approach God with.

  Dear Papa, I come to you today with my honest fears because surrendering to your Lordship is sometimes hard for me. I really want to trust You, but I feel shaky. Help me get past what I feel, so I can see you goodness. I surrender_______________________to you today. I give this to you, trusting you have it all under control. I choose to rest in your goodness and be quiet before you.

  This journey to trusting God doesn’t happen in one moment. It begins with a surrendered heart and continues as we surrender each day and each decision to God. Lean in close, and let Papa minister His peace as you learn to trust.

  I’ve included a free printable resource for you, "Trusting God: 3 Things to Do When It’s Hard”

  Click on the image below and it will take you to it.