Embracing Surrender: Finding Identity and Direction in God
Summary
In a world where we’re often preoccupied with what others think, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of simply being present with God and allowing Him to work in our hearts. There’s a call to set aside self-consciousness and distractions, to cultivate a tenderness toward God’s Word and His presence. When we do this, we open ourselves to His voice, His guidance, and His healing—breaking chains and bringing freedom, not by our own authority, but by the authority of Jesus’ name.
As we celebrate our graduates, we’re reminded that each of us is on a journey, stepping into new seasons and unknowns. The encouragement is to remember the foundation that’s been laid—not just in manners or skills, but in identity as part of God’s kingdom. No matter where life leads, it’s vital to know who you are in Christ and to let that identity anchor you when the world offers enticing alternatives. Life will move quickly, and challenges will come, but God’s plans are good, and He is faithful to guide and protect.
Reflecting on my own story, I didn’t have a clear plan after high school. My initial ambitions were shaped more by convenience than calling. But through encounters with God—especially in worship and prayer—I began to sense His direction. Surrendering to God didn’t mean having all the answers; it meant being willing to follow, even when the path was unclear or didn’t fit my expectations. God developed gifts in me I never anticipated, not because I sought them, but because I was willing to serve wherever there was a need.
True success isn’t measured by worldly standards, but by obedience to God’s plan. Surrender is not a one-time event, but a daily posture—yielding our ambitions, our fears, and our plans to Him. Whether you’re just starting out or feel stuck in your journey, God is faithful to lead, to correct, and to bless. The key is to seek Him first, to listen for His voice, and to trust that He knows how to bring about His purposes in your life. Even when support systems change or fade, God never leaves or forsakes us. He is the foundation and the source of all we need to become who He’s called us to be.
Key Takeaways
- Surrendering to God is a daily choice, not a one-time event. It requires letting go of self-consciousness and the need for control, allowing God to speak and work in our hearts. This posture of surrender opens us to His guidance, healing, and the breaking of strongholds in our lives. [36:47]
- Our identity in Christ is the anchor that sustains us through every season. When life presents new opportunities or challenges, remembering who we are in Him keeps us grounded and prevents us from being swayed by fleeting interests or peer pressure. This identity is not just a set of beliefs, but a lived reality that shapes our decisions and our resilience. [41:38]
- God’s direction often comes in the context of serving others and meeting needs, not in the pursuit of personal ambition. Many of the gifts and skills we develop are the result of being willing to fill gaps and serve where we’re needed, rather than chasing titles or recognition. This servant-hearted approach is what attracts God’s favor and leads to true growth. [01:14:40]
- Success in God’s eyes is measured by obedience and humility, not by outward achievements or possessions. When we humble ourselves under God’s hand and pursue His plan, He exalts us in due season. This kind of success brings peace and fulfillment, free from the sorrow and stress that often accompany worldly pursuits. [51:52]
- Hearing God’s voice and following His steps is essential for every believer, regardless of age or stage of life. It’s not about having a perfect plan, but about seeking God’s direction for each step and being willing to adjust as He leads. Even when the way forward is unclear, God is faithful to guide, correct, and provide everything needed for His purposes to be fulfilled in us. [01:20:08]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[36:47] - Opening Prayer and Breaking Addictions
[38:58] - Honoring and Praying Over Graduates
[41:38] - Encouragement for Graduates: Identity in Christ
[42:16] - Individual Prayers for Graduates
[51:02] - Blessing Over Graduates’ Future
[54:27] - Offering and Community Gratitude
[58:49] - Introduction: The Surrendered Life
[01:02:04] - Personal Story: Encountering God After Graduation
[01:05:33] - Wrestling with God’s Direction
[01:07:25] - Early Ministry Experiences
[01:12:31] - The Importance of Listening to God’s Voice
[01:14:40] - Serving Where Needed and God’s Development
[01:16:55] - Lessons Learned in Youth Ministry
[01:19:27] - Surrendering to God’s Plans
[01:22:03] - Walking by Faith and Seeking God’s Direction
[01:24:39] - God’s Blessing Without Sorrow
[01:25:57] - Final Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Surrendered Life
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### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 3:5-6
*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.*
2. 1 Peter 5:6-7
*Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.*
3. Jeremiah 29:11
*“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”*
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 3:5-6, what does it mean to “lean not on your own understanding”? How does this connect to the idea of surrendering your plans to God?
2. In the sermon, what were some of the ways the pastor described God’s guidance in his own life after graduation? ([01:02:04])
3. What does 1 Peter 5:6-7 say will happen if we humble ourselves under God’s hand? How does this relate to the definition of true success in the sermon? ([51:52])
4. The pastor mentioned that God’s direction often comes while serving others and meeting needs. What examples did he give from his own story? ([01:14:40])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think surrendering to God is described as a daily choice rather than a one-time event? How might this look in real life? ([58:49])
2. The sermon emphasized that our identity in Christ is an anchor through every season. Why is it important to remember who we are in Christ, especially when facing new opportunities or challenges? ([41:38])
3. How does serving where there is a need, rather than chasing titles or recognition, help us discover God’s direction for our lives? ([01:14:40])
4. The pastor said that even when support systems change or fade, God never leaves us. How can this truth help someone who feels alone or uncertain about the future? ([53:01])
---
### Application Questions
1. The pastor talked about letting go of self-consciousness and distractions to be present with God. Is there a specific distraction or worry about what others think that you need to set aside this week? What would it look like to do that? ([36:47])
2. Think about a time when you felt unsure about your next step, like the pastor did after high school. How did you respond? Looking back, would you do anything differently in light of what you heard in the sermon? ([01:02:04])
3. The sermon said that surrender is not about having all the answers, but being willing to follow God even when the path is unclear. Is there an area of your life right now where you need to surrender control? What’s holding you back? ([01:19:27])
4. The pastor shared that many of his gifts and skills developed because he was willing to serve where there was a need. Is there a need in your church, family, or community that you could step into, even if it’s not something you feel “called” to? ([01:14:40])
5. Success in God’s eyes is measured by obedience and humility, not by outward achievements. Are there any ambitions or plans you need to lay down before God and ask Him to redirect or confirm? ([51:52])
6. The pastor encouraged everyone to seek God’s direction for each step, not just for the big picture. What is one practical way you can seek God’s guidance in your daily decisions this week? ([01:20:08])
7. If you feel stuck or like your support system is changing, how can you remind yourself that God is your foundation and source? Is there a verse or truth from this study you want to hold onto? ([53:01])
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person surrender daily, listen for His voice, and trust His plans.
Devotional
Day 1: Surrendering Your Life to God’s Plan
True surrender means letting go of your own plans and ambitions and yielding your heart daily to God, trusting that His direction is better than anything you could devise for yourself. Surrender is not about giving up in defeat, but about giving up control so that God can lead you into the fullness of His purpose for your life. Even if you have followed your own way for years, it is never too late to surrender now—start by yielding your heart and seeking His will above all else. When you do, God will give you peace and courage to follow Him, no matter what changes or challenges may come. [01:20:08]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are still holding on to your own plans? Can you take a moment today to surrender that area to God in prayer, asking Him to lead you in His way?
Day 2: God Orders the Steps of the Surrendered
When you surrender your life to God, He promises to order your steps, guiding you even when the path ahead is unclear or doesn’t make sense on paper. God knows exactly where you need to be, who you need to be with, and how long you need to be there to develop into the person He’s called you to be. Even if you don’t receive a “thus saith the Lord” every day, you can trust that as you seek Him, He will direct your path and give you the focus and courage to move forward, regardless of setbacks or uncertainty. [01:22:03]
Psalm 37:23 (ESV)
The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.
Reflection: Think about a decision or direction you’re facing right now. Have you asked God to order your steps in this area? What would it look like to trust Him with your next step today?
Day 3: Humility and Servanthood Lead to True Success
True success in God’s eyes is not measured by possessions or status, but by humble obedience and a servant’s heart toward His plan for your life. When you humble yourself under God’s mighty hand and serve wherever He places you—whether in church, work, or community—He will develop gifts in you and exalt you in due season. Serving the vision where God has planted you, rather than seeking your own advancement, brings favor and growth you never imagined possible. [51:52]
1 Peter 5:6 (ESV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.
Reflection: Where is God calling you to serve right now, even if it seems small or unnoticed? How can you approach that opportunity with humility and a willingness to be used by Him?
Day 4: God’s Plans for You Are Good and Full of Hope
No matter what your past looks like or how uncertain your future may seem, God’s plans for you are good, filled with hope, and designed to prosper you as you walk with Him. He desires for you to prosper in every area of your life—as your soul prospers—and to walk in the confidence that He is with you, guiding and protecting you every step of the way. When you know who you are in Christ and return to that identity, you will find strength and hope for whatever lies ahead. [47:50]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
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.
Reflection: What is one hope or dream you have for your future? How does knowing God’s plans are good and full of hope change the way you pray and plan for what’s next?
Day 5: God’s Spirit Gives You Power, Love, and a Sound Mind
God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind, so you can face the future with confidence and peace. No matter what challenges or uncertainties you encounter, the Holy Spirit within you will lead, guide, and strengthen you, removing fear and filling you with the assurance that God is with you and for you. As you look ahead—whether to new seasons, transitions, or unknowns—remember that you are equipped by God’s Spirit to walk boldly and wisely into all He has prepared for you. [01:25:57]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Reflection: Is there a fear or anxiety about the future that you need to surrender to God today? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with power, love, and a sound mind as you move forward?
Quotes
Not by any authority that my name carries, but by the authority that's in the name of Jesus Christ. I rebuke addictions that may even be in this very room or people that are connected to this place. I break addictions right now in the name of Jesus. Who are you to speak to things like that? God, I'm nobody, but Jesus Christ said I could use his name. [00:37:24] (23 seconds)
Just because you can do it doesn't mean you should do it. I'm like, you're right. There's a lot of things that I would like to do, and I think it's fun. But just because you can do it doesn't mean you. And what she's saying is, is this the best use of your time? Is this what God wants you to be doing with your life? Is this bringing stress to you, or is it bringing avenues of favor to your life? And that'll help you weed some things out real quick. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. [01:24:07] (31 seconds)
If you can't figure out how spending time with God for him to order your steps applies to you today, I don't know how you've been walking with him at all. I don't know how you've been walking with him at all. How do you walk by faith with a God that you don't approach about which direction should I walk? Where should I be? What should I be doing? [01:23:18] (33 seconds)
And I want every single person in this church, especially those that are young and either graduating or about to graduate or going up, to know that God knows those plans that he has for you. But we have to surrender to that. It's not something that we can add to our life later. [01:19:32] (22 seconds)
God knows how to maximize your time. And the Bible says that he's able to make somebody rich without adding sorrow. So if your life, you're endeavoring to be successful and financially well off, is bringing more stress than it is peace, he knows how to bring that to you in the same way, but without adding sorrow to it. [01:24:50] (23 seconds)
But I thank you, Father, that each and every one of them live a life in service to you, magnifying you, glorifying you. And, Lord, you bring them to a place in their life where they know that they are successful not by the things that they have, but because of the obedience that they had towards your plan for their life. [01:51:52] (28 seconds)
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