Have you ever had a time where you just gave up? Daily when I went to work as a nursing supervisor, I was the type that gave her best. My motto has always been just “keep putting one foot in front of the other” and give your very best. In the beginning years of my last management position, I was on top of my game. I had two teams of nurses that I was responsible to supervise. Although I was on top of my game at the end of my tenure as a supervisor, I was not pleasing everyone.
Often I was having to explain what decision I had made. So much that I began to wonder if I should not change jobs. Giving up is different from surrendering. Giving up is feeling helpless in a situation. Giving up is acquiescing to a situation. Whereas, surrendering is accepting your circumstance and letting God work out the details. It was God’s will that I work but was it his will that I stay in a management position. So for a few months, I kept trying to make my position work. Soon, I surrendered my need for the title, for the salary, and for obtaining my bosses approval. I prayed and prayed and accepted that no matter what job I had I could still honor and glorify God. I applied for a new job within the company. My surrender leads to a new position. Yes, I lost a title and I lost pay, but I gained peace.
All to Jesus I surrender, all to him I freely give.
Father God, help us to recognize your will for our lives. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. In Jeremiah 29:11 you say you have plans to give us a hope and a future. If there is anyone suffering in the wrong job, open doors for her. Let her surrender her needs to you. Thank you, Lord, for answering my prayers and for letting me understand the difference between giving up and surrendering. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Beloved, what is God asking you to surrender?
