Overcoming the Fear of Surrendering EVERYTHING to God

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” - 2 timothy 1:7

Fear can be defined as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat”. This is the kind of fear that keeps us from giving our all to God because we think doing so will threaten our ability to enjoy our life and be happy. Actually, that’s what sin does. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Fear says, “God isn’t able to meet THAT need in your life.”, “Don’t share your faith, you’ll be embarrassed when they reject you”, “If you continue being abstinent you’ll be single forever”, or “If you surrender your career to God, He’ll call you to do something that makes less money and you’ll hate it”.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. - John 10:10

Friend, that voice is liar. THAT voice is from the enemy, the devil. How do I know? Because what it says opposes the truth of God’s word. Jesus spoke about the devil’s character in John 8:44 saying “…He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

Culture tells us many things about what makes a good life and who God “is”, but what does the Word tell us? That He is good and faithful. That every good and perfect gift is from God, and that those who fear Him lack no good thing. It’s our choice which voice we listen to, if we hang out with people who encourage our faith or mock it, or listen and watch media filled with darkness and sin. We can’t feed our self everything that opposes God and think we’ll automatically grow in trusting Him.

If God is truly good, why would He want to make your life miserable? If He cannot lie, then how could He not deliver on His promises? You believe He is good enough to save you from your sin, but not good enough to give you a life you’ll love? Not powerful enough to comfort you through the unthinkable and truly work ALL things together for you good? Not faithful enough to do exceedingly and abundantly more than you can ask or imagine in all areas of your life?

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” - Matthew 7:9-11

The truth is we have no reason to fear God’s leadership or sovereignty because He loves us perfectly. Jesus came to this earth to save our souls and give us an abundant life, but fear is working to steal that hope away from you.

Evaluate your perspective.

Often, what we fear is the hardship and the discomfort that come with following God, but God’s love cares about more about your character than your comfort. Whatever He calls us to do is for your good and His glory. Isn’t that the point of our faith after all, to glorify Jesus above all else? We are blessed when we face trials because our faith has the chance to grow. If we are too weak to accomplish the task at hand, then we are actually strong because God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. We have the opportunity to display His glory.

You may be thinking, “But that’s not easy!”

Renew your mind.

We have to fight the good fight of faith and let our thinking be re-wired by God. Stop looking with your natural eyes and start praying to see with your spiritual ones. Fear leads you to believe God isn’t good because He hasn’t given you [insert whatever it is you want the most right now]. However, faith reminds you that His goodness and love were displayed on the cross. He is for us, not against us. His love is perfect.

Perfect Love holds things back from us to protect us, not punish us. If God gave you the things you idolize, you’d put all of your hope in them. Then one day, when they fail you (because they will), you’ll crumble and blame Him.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. - 1 John 4:18

Each of us must make the decision to trust God’s sovereignty and accept Jesus not just as savior but as Lord of our life. We will not experience the fullness of God with half-hearted devotion. He requires complete surrender.

We think we know what we need and want, but we actually. Are sights are set too low. God knows us better than we know ourselves because He made us. Five years ago the thought of traveling and living abroad would have terrified me. Then God allowed me to take a trip abroad and it awakened a desire I never knew I had. Now all I want to do is travel. I laid down my plans and found that God’s were better.

Give God the opportunity to transform your mind and heart, and reveal who He purposed you to be. As He transforms you into Christ’s image and likeness your desires will begin to align with His desires for you. So calm down! He’s not going to call you to become a missionary and move to Africa if He didn’t purpose you for it. What He calls you to do is perfectly designed for YOU.

The next time fear rises up inside of you remind yourself of the truth of God’s word. Check your motives and evaluate if you’re pursuing God for His glory or just His gifts?. I’ve spent years chasing relationships, money, and society’s image of beauty even after giving my life to Christ. When I finally surrendered everything to Him, I watched my life become something I never knew I wanted, something better than anything I could of achieved for myself. Do I wish God would hurry up sometimes and bring me a spouse and that promotion? Do I feel overlooked and out of place in this world because of my faith? Am I facing hardships and trials specifically for following Jesus? Yes, Yes, and Yes. But would I change God’s plan for me or trade this life in Christ? Not for all the riches in the world.

I know His love is perfect and He will never lead me wrong.