Submission over Surrender

Many of us struggle with the idea of surrender vs submission. Yet many of us don’t know the difference in meaning between the two.   We treat them as the same, although they are vastly different.  They are both verbs, which means they require both a decision and action.  These are not passive words. Every morning when you wake up, we all get to decide which one we will do.  Surrender or Submit.

  One of the beautiful things about God is that he has given us free will.  That is the ability to make our own decisions and our own choices.  He does not force us to choose him.  He leave it up to us to make a decision.

Surrender means to give up resistance to an enemy or opponent and give in to their authority.  In essence, they have power over you.  Surrender is an active decision to give up fighting, to give up the effort of resisting and let the enemy take control of everything that God has given to you or has for you.  We tend to minimize the daily decision of surrender by thinking it only applies to us.  The truth is there  are far reaching consequences as a result of making the wrong the decision.  

Daily surrender to the enemy means you are being pulled farther and farther away from God and the Will of God for you life.  It also means that your family and future are in jeopardy.  If you are a father or husband, you have great influence over your family.  Daily surrender, means you are putting your family at risk of attack from an enemy that will not stop by only destroying you.  He wants everything that you have.  This should scare you.

But all hope is not lost!  When you have Jesus you have the power to overcome!

Submission on the other hand, means to accept or yield to a superior force, to the authority or will of another person.  For us believers, that superior force is an all mighty God.  To yield is to give in to pressure or influence.  We actively to choose to submit to God. For men, this can be a difficult thing.  Because we don’t like the feeling of losing or giving up control.  It is contrary to our human nature, but necessary in order to lead meaningful lives in the kingdom of God.  It becomes easier to submit when you have trust and a better understanding of the nature of God.  

Are we not willing to accept the advice of a good friend, or family member?  We willingly take advice from the people around us.  When you do so, you are in essence submitting to their guidance and authority.  Why not choose to do that with an all loving, all knowing God instead.  After all the Bible states, that “God is Love”.  He loves you.  Do you love him?

Do you trust that he has your best interest at heart and only has the best for you and your family in mind?  If so, then the answer is simple.  Submission over surrender.

Psalm 91 14-17

“The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.”  I will protect those who trust in my name.  When they call on me, I will answer.  I will be with them in trouble.  I will rescue and honor them.  I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”