"And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:29

"I surrender all. I surrender all. All to Jesus, I surrender. I surrender all." I've been professing this age-old hymn over and over lately. You?

Jesus is always our highest example for holy living. Perhaps one of the most challenging ways we are charged to emulate him, however, is in the act of surrendering our will to the Father's. Oh, how easy it is to contemplate our own sense of control over circumstances, over desired outcomes. Yielding our will to the Father's is one of the most beautiful acts of worship though. To come to the Cross on our knees, with open hands and hearts surrendered blesses the very heart of God.

Whether we're talking about trusting the Lord with the big stuff, the well-being of our country and loved ones, the economy, and our children, right down to the nitty-gritty of our lives, our appearance, our weight loss path, our personal peace. It all belongs in the infinitely capable hands of our Lord. The safest place any of us can possibly be is in a position and posture of surrender. Today, whatever you're tempted to hold onto, will you choose instead to lift your open hands to the One who holds it all?

Precious Jesus, my prayer is simple yet oh, so hard. Please Lord, help me to give you everything. Give me the courage to release control. Lord, I humbly ask that you receive my offering. All to you Jesus I surrender. I trust you. In your Name, I pray, amen.