Even When.

In this journey with Christ, I’ve learned that following Him means laying many things down. There are things you’ll need to surrender and yes, some things you’ll have to sacrifice. Some will be easier to release than others, but the requirement is the same: a life of total surrender. What I’ve learned is that God is deeply invested in helping us become the best version of ourselves. That is the version that reflects Him.

Think about it: we always want the best versions of everything — the latest phone, the fastest computer, the smoothest car. Now picture driving a car that’s falling apart. The check engine light’s been on for weeks, the brakes barely work, the steering wheel shakes violently over 40 mph, and then there’s that awful clunk… the muffler is now dragging on the street. That’s not just a problem, but that’s a HUGE sign. A clear, unmistakable sign that it’s time for an upgrade. And in the same way, God gives us signs through discomfort, frustration, and divine nudges. It’s not to harm us, but to invite us into a life of transformation. It’s not that we don’t want the upgrade; we just don’t want to pay what it costs.

The moment we’re faced with the cost, it feels unbearable. Our minds flood with thoughts like:“It’s too hard to confront the pain and trauma.”“It’s too difficult to have those hard conversations and face what I’ve been avoiding.”“I’m not strong enough to step out of my comfort zone, to let go, and truly let God take control.”

But here’s the truth, the real question isn’t, ‘Are you able?’ It’s, ‘Will you?’

Scripture is clear: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

This means the ability is already in you through Christ. The strength, the grace, the courage — He’s already provided it. Now it’s your move.

Now, a common misunderstanding among believers is the belief that Christ will make our decisions for us. When He already made the decision to pay the price out of love for us on the cross, will you do the same? We often make countless excuses for why we can’t do what the Lord is asking of us. We let the enemy convince us that prayer and reading the Word aren't essential. We fall for the lie that following Christ requires no sacrifice. But if only you knew the blessing that awaits on the other side of your obedience. This reminds me of the story of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham loved Isaac. The promised child. The blessing Abraham was waiting for. One day, the Lord asks Abraham to take his son, whom Abraham loved, and offer him as an offering (sacrifice) unto God. Without hesitation, Abraham goes takes his son up to the mountain and prepares to sacrifice Isaac. As soon as Abraham was ready to sacrifice Isaac, the Angel of the Lord said “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” On the other side of the mountain, the Lord provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice. Abraham was ready to lay down everything because he loved God more.

Will you be able to take the step and say, "Lord, I choose to lay everything down and surrender it all to You — even when I don’t understand, even when I don’t feel like it, even when it hurts. I surrender with tears in my eyes, even when it’s something I prayed for, something I believe I deserve, or something I love deeply. Even when I can’t see the outcome — still, I trust You." You might read this and say, 'But Abraham didn’t actually kill Isaac.' And that’s true. But that’s because Abraham had already surrendered Isaac in his heart. Isaac never took God’s place in Abraham’s life, and God saw that. Because of Abraham’s obedience, God honored him. Yet, a sacrifice still had to be made. A Son did have to die for you and for me. His name is Jesus. And He didn’t hold back because of the cost. He gave everything, because He loved us more.

I want you to understand that through Abraham’s surrender to the Lord, he became a better version of himself — not for his own glory, but to glorify God. Abraham became the father of faith, the one through whom the nation of Israel was born, and ultimately, the lineage through which our Savior Jesus came. Through his obedience, Abraham drew closer to God and received a powerful revelation: that the Lord is our Provider.

Yes, the cost of surrender is high, but the reward is far greater. God doesn’t ask us to surrender or sacrifice to punish us, but because He loves us and desires for us to become more like Him.

That’s why Scripture tells us, “All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

So here’s the real question: Do you love God enough to surrender your whole life to Him — even when you don’t yet see the good that’s coming from it?

Do you love God more than the very thing He is calling you to lay down?