Latest / Jo Watson: Unfiltered Faith / The Art of Surrender
Transcript
- The Art of Surrender: Welcome back to Unfiltered Faith. I'm Joe Watson and it's time to breathe. Time to slow down. Time to let your shoulders drop and time to step into the sanctuary. Not the sanctuary we're all so familiar with, but the one that God is building inside you. Today, we're holding the space where honesty becomes healing. And where your trembling places are safe in the presence of God. We are stepping into a truth that every believer wrestles with, but few admit out loud. Surrender. Surrender is hard. Surrender feels risky. And surrender feels like loss before it ever feels like peace. But Scripture tells us something powerful. First Peter chapter five verse seven says, Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. He doesn't tell us not place it, he doesn't say set it down gently or just tuck it away. The word tells us to cast it, to throw it. To fling it off our shoulders because the God who carries galaxies cares for you. And today we're going deeper into what it means to let go and what it means to trust God enough to hold on. So let's move from the idea of surrender into the practice of surrender. Because surrender is not passive, it is not weakness, it is not giving up. Surrender is the strongest decision you will ever make. Surrender. It is the moment you stop pretending you can carry what only God can sustain. It is the moment you unclench fist and say, Lord, I I trust your hands more than I trust mine. Family, today hear me in love. You have been carrying things God never asked you to carry. You've been holding on to outcomes you cannot control, holding on to people you cannot protect, holding futures you cannot predict. And holding burdens you cannot sustain. And the weight of what you have been holding is showing. It is showing in your sleep. It is showing in your breathing. It is showing in your spirit. And it is showing in your physical body. But today hear the heart of God saying to you. You were never designed to carry this alone. Psalm chapter fifty five, verse twenty-two says, Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you. And Isaiah forty one, ten says, Fear not, for I am with you, I will strengthen you and help you. And Jesus himself says in Matthew. Chapter eleven verse twenty eight Come to me all who are weary, and I will give you rest. God is not asking you to stop carrying, He is asking you to stop carrying, because his hands are stronger, His wisdom is deeper, His love is steadier. And his care is intentional. Let me say this what you release into God's hands will not be dropped. What you surrender will not be wasted. What you give over will be held with divine care. And know this you are not losing control. You are returning control to the one who never loses. So, family, right here where you are. Whisper it, speak it, write it, and declare it that God, you have carried me before. I want to pause for a moment and ask you to think back. When did God protect you? When did he provide for you? When did he rescue you? When did he comfort you? When did he show up when you were breaking? And then let your testimony of his faithfulness in the past rise. Because Revelation chapter twelve eleven says, We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and And the word of our testimony. Your story is evidence that God can be trusted. Your history with God is proof that your future is safe with Him. I want to take a moment to pray for anyone who is struggling with surrendering something or surrendering someone or a situation. And trusting God with what they are holding. Let's pray. Father, we come to you with hands that have been gripping too tightly. We surrender the outcomes we cannot control, the people that we love, the fears that keep us awake, the futures we're trying to manage, the burdens we We're never meant to carry. We cast our anxiety onto you. Not because we don't care, but because you care more. Strengthen our trust, steady our hearts, teach us to release what you never ask us to hold, and then give us the grace to leave it in your hands. In Jesus' name, amen. To someone listening today, you are stepping into a season where surrender becomes strength, where trust becomes clarity, where release becomes restoration. God is lifting the weight off your shoulders. God is breaking the lie that you must hold everything together. God is reminding you that his care Is not casual, it is covenant. So hold on. You will not break before you break through. You will not lose what God intends for you to keep, and you will not be abandoned in the process of surrender. God is holding you. God is carrying you. God is sustaining you. God is faithful. And if you're listening today and you've never surrendered your life to Jesus, or maybe you walked away, or maybe you've been trying to carry everything alone, this is your moment. Jesus loves you. Jesus died for you. Jesus rose for you. And Jesus is calling. You home. Romans chapter 10, verse 9 says, if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, you will be saved. So if you're ready to make Jesus Lord of your life, pray this prayer with me. Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to you. Forgive me, restore me. And make me new. I trust you with my past, my present, and my future. I receive your love and your salvation. Amen. If you prayed that prayer and you're ready to make Jesus Lord of your life, find a Bible teaching church near you. Find community. Find discipleship. Find a pastor who will walk with you because you were never meant to do this alone. Family, thank you for joining me in this sacred space. And remember, surrender is not giving up, it is giving over. And God can be trusted. Jesus is faithful, and the Holy Spirit is present. And you, you are held. And if you're carrying a weight that feels too heavy to hold, please remember that this podcast is not a substitute for professional therapy or pastoral care. Reach out. Get the support you need because you deserve that kind of care. And if you would like to send in a question or Share a story with Unfiltered Faith. You can reach us at Joe at UnfilteredFaithpod dot com. We would love to hear from you. Your testimonies and your experiences matter. They help others grow. They encourage weary hearts and they draw people closer to Jesus. Until next time, family. Unfiltered faith, God is moving, so stay ready, and to God be the glory.