As we approach a new year and reflect on the season of Advent, it is a good time to consider what it truly means to fully surrender and trust in God and how He restores us through it all.
In Matthew 16:24 it says, “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'” In surrendering to God, we relinquish our desires and deny ourselves daily. We lay down our plans, sense of control, worries, and fears, knowing that we are in God’s hands and that He is ultimately in control. In surrendering to God, we trust in Him, find peace and grace, and become restored in Him.
Surrendering and fully trusting in God requires obedience. We must follow where he leads, even when it’s difficult to understand. Following God’s guidance requires humility, acknowledging that we cannot control our outcome and that we are not in control, for it is God who has a plan for us and that his outcome is best for us. When we surrender and trust in God, we no longer lean on our understandings and plans but confidently follow Christ in every circumstance. As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
Trusting in God’s timing takes time. It involves walking in faith even when things don’t change overnight. It’s believing God works in every situation, even when we can’t see or understand it. Restoration does not come immediately. Trusting in his timing and provision allows us to rest in His peace. Restoration is about being renewed for a greater purpose. As we surrender ourselves to God’s will for our lives, we trust that his plan is far better than anything we could ever imagine. As we surrender to God, God gives us peace that surpasses all understanding, for we know he is working all things out for our good.
As we are restored, we become who God created us, giving us a new identity. We experience growth, joy, and purpose by surrendering everything we are to Him. The more we are restored, the more we become more like Christ. We are made new. We are no longer defined by what we think makes us, but now we are His children, redeemed and free. When we fully surrender, we are free from worry, fear, and anxiety, for we can trust God and live in security in his love and plan for us.
Fully surrendering and trusting in God for restoration is an act of faith, humility, and surrender. We actively let go of our control, allowing him to work in us, transforming us and creating a deeper relationship with God.
Reflecting on this year at Impact 360, I see the Lord’s work in so many ways. It takes time to fully surrender to God and trust that His plan is far better than what I could imagine. I have seen the Lord’s provision in everything since I have been in the Fellows program. Even in times of doubt and confusion, the Lord is good and has provided. I continue in prayer and trust in Him in all I do.
This year, how can you fully surrender to God and trust in Him?
Paige Bausman
Impact 360 Fellow