Give It All To God

In the whirlwind of life, where uncertainties loom and burdens weigh heavily on our shoulders, there is a divine invitation to relinquish control and "Give It All to God." This journey of faith and surrender is not merely an act of giving up but a profound choice to trust in a power greater than ourselves. As we delve into the biblical foundation of surrender and explore the transformative impact of trusting God, let us reflect on how this act of faith can lead to unparalleled peace and strength.

Many people are still not growing spiritually and physically because they refuse to give everything to God. The book of Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” The scripture emphasizes the importance of submission to God in all ways, and this is the major way you can grow in all facets of life. Trusting in the Lord with our entire being and acknowledging His wisdom over our limited understanding leads us to a path of clarity and direction. Surrendering our plans and desires to God paves the way for His divine guidance.

During my stay in Osun, I saw how men of God gave their totality to God and were never put to shame in any way. I was in the NCCF rural rugged program when the invited man of God, Apostle Bukky, shared how the Lord called him and gave him a personal instruction to put his certificate aside and follow him dully. He said that without wasting an iota of time, he followed God's directives, and he decided to tear his certificates, and that was the beginning of great things in his ministerial life. That same day, through the ministration of the man of God, I witnessed a blind woman regain her sight for the first time. When you give everything to God, He will freely give you all you desire. Although surrendering all to God may be difficult, listening to His direction will surely end in laughter. You have to be dead to self and surrender all to God to live a fruitful and purposeful life.

Abraham is a good example. When God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac, Abraham obeyed without hesitation, trusting in God's promise (Genesis 22:1-19). His willingness to surrender everything resulted in God's provision of a ram as a substitute sacrifice, demonstrating that God honours those who trust Him completely. Similarly, Moses relinquished his fear and doubts to follow God's call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10). Despite feeling inadequate, he surrendered to God's plan, resulting in miraculous events like the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22). Moses' faithfulness highlights how surrendering to God can lead to incredible outcomes beyond human capability.

Hannah is another good example of someone who gives it all to God. She earnestly prayed for a child, vowing to dedicate him to God (1 Samuel 1:9-11). Her unwavering faith led to the birth of Samuel, a significant prophet in Israel's history. Through Hannah's surrender, God demonstrated His faithfulness by fulfilling her heartfelt desires. Similarly, Mary's response to the angel's announcement of her role as the mother of Jesus illustrates ultimate surrender (Luke 1:26-38). Despite the potential societal backlash, she accepted God's plan, saying, "I am the Lord's servant." Through her obedience, God brought salvation to the world, showing how surrender can lead to an eternal impact.

The story of Peter's surrender to God after a night of toiling for fish is a powerful narrative found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 5, verses 1-11. This passage not only highlights Peter's initial struggle and frustration but also underscores the transformative power of faith and obedience. The scripture makes us understand that even when you see or hear from Jesus, there is also a place for surrendering all to Him by following His instructions as He has directed you. If Mary had decided not to follow the instruction of God through His angel, she would never have been the mother of our Savior Jesus Christ.

In all we face, in all we do, and in all we want to be, it is important to give it all to God because He is the only one who can give us rest. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Jesus extends an open invitation to those who are weary and overwhelmed by life's burdens. He promises rest for our souls, urging us to trust Him with our worries and anxieties. This passage illustrates the idea of surrendering our struggles to God and finding comfort and peace in His presence. Additionally, 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." Peter echoes the message of surrender by urging us to cast all our anxieties on God. This scripture highlights God's deep care for us and His willingness to shoulder our worries, emphasizing that we are never alone in our struggles. In giving our fears to God, we experience His compassion and assurance.

God’s plans for us are good, and the only way to be a partaker is to give it all to Him. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." This well-loved verse emphasizes the importance of trusting God's plan for our lives. By surrendering our desires and plans to Him, we open ourselves to His greater purpose, which is always for our good and a hope-filled future. Trusting in God's perfect plan assures us of His constant care and faithfulness.

Personal Experience

I remember when I was in a higher institution, during my first year in school. I was so determined to clear all my papers with distinctions. I read so much, and attending church programs even became a problem. After the exams, when the results were out, I cleared all my papers with distinctions except for two other courses where I performed poorly, which made my CGPA for my 100 level a bit low. When I got this result, the Holy Spirit ministered to me that reading alone would not lead to good performance but that fellowshipping with the children of God and submitting totally to Him would. Sincerely, submitting to God in the remaining years on campus brought great success to me. I can say boldly that the way I studied for the rest of my semesters was not as intense as it was during my 100 level, and I had great success because of surrendering all to God. Looking back, I can see how God’s hand orchestrated everything perfectly in my academics, even in ways I couldn't comprehend at the time. That experience taught me the profound truth of surrender: when we give it all to God, we find strength, clarity, and peace beyond measure.

HOW CAN WE GIVE ALL TO GOD?

Embracing the principle of surrender can be a transformative journey for anyone seeking peace and strength in their lives. Here are some practical steps to help you give it all to God:

1. Cultivate a Habit of Prayer: Regularly communicate with God through prayer. Present your fears, hopes, and desires to Him, trusting that He hears and cares for you. Make it a daily practice to lay your burdens at His feet and seek His guidance.
2. Meditate on Scripture: Engage with the Word of God to deepen your understanding of His promises. Scriptures like Matthew 11:28-30, Philippians 4:6-7, and Proverbs 3:5-6 serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and His call to trust Him completely.
3. Embrace Gratitude: Cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, even in challenging times. Recognize the blessings and faithfulness of God in your life. Gratitude shifts your focus from the burden to the One who can carry it.

Conclusion

In a world filled with uncertainties, the act of giving it all to God is a profound declaration of faith and trust. As we release our burdens, anxieties, and desires into His capable hands, we open ourselves to the peace and strength that only He can provide. By cultivating a habit of prayer, meditating on Scripture, embracing gratitude, and seeking community support, we can embark on a transformative journey of surrender.

So, I invite you to consider the areas in your life where you can let go and give it all to God. Trust in His sovereignty, knowing that His plans for you are good, and His love for you is unwavering. In surrender, you will find rest, clarity, and the assurance that God is always with you, guiding you through every step of your journey.

ACTION POINT

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7. Pray that the Lord should help you to lay down every burden, worry, and desire at His feet.