Surrender Like Christ: Embracing Obedience in the Face of Difficulty

When we think about surrender in our own lives—especially when it comes to trusting and obeying the will of God through seasons of difficulty—we are encouraged to consider Christ.

Christ’s Ultimate Example of Faithfulness

He endured the highest form of suffering imaginable. He was betrayed, denied, rejected, ridiculed, abandoned, and crucified. And yet, He remained faithful to His calling.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,
being born in the likeness of men.”
—Philippians 2:5–7 (ESV)

When You’re Weary, Consider Him

When we grow weary in our own battles with hardship or resistance, Scripture exhorts us to remember Him:

“Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
—Hebrews 12:3 (ESV)

Jesus’ obedience was not partial. It was total. He surrendered to the Father’s will—even when it led to the cross. He embraced humility, pain, and sacrifice for the joy set before Him.

What Excuse Do We Have?

When we’re tempted to complain, retreat, or resist God’s refining work in us, we’re reminded that our struggle has not yet drawn blood.

“In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.”
—Hebrews 12:4 (ESV)

This truth is deeply humbling. Christ was obedient unto death. So what excuse do we have? Why would we rebel when the Lord’s will feels heavy or uncomfortable? Why wouldn’t we trust Him fully when He calls us to walk in surrender?

Here Am I. Send Me.

These are the questions that call us deeper. Deeper into trust. Deeper into obedience. Deeper into Christ.

So whenever He bids me come, may my response always be:
“Here am I. Send me.”

We Are Not Alone in Our Surrender

As we walk this path of surrender, let us remember that we are not walking it alone. We have a Savior who knows exactly what it feels like to be human.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
—Hebrews 4:15 (ESV)

What hope this gives us. What comfort. What strength to keep going.

The Fruit of Faithful Obedience

Yes, discipline is hard. Yes, surrender requires sacrifice. But the end result is worth every step:

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant,
but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
—Hebrews 12:11 (ESV)

May we be a people who don’t just talk about surrender—but who live it out, day by day, with hearts anchored in Christ.