THE POWER OF SURRENDER

               

Hi Belles, 

As we approach the end of 2024, I reflect on a year that didn’t start the way I planned. Unlike previous years, I didn’t write down goals, set resolutions, or choose a word for self-improvement.

I was sick, uncertain, and without control over what was happening in my life. In that vulnerable moment, I made a decision: to trust God.

The earlier part of the year was rough. There were moments when I felt lost, unsure of what to do or where my life was headed. But even amid the chaos, I clung to one truth, God’s plan was greater than mine. Looking back now, if I were to choose a word to define this year, it would be SURRENDER.

Surrender sounds simple. But in practice, letting go of how I thought my life should go and choosing to trust God wholeheartedly was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done. Through surrender, I learned some profound lessons:

What Surrender Taught Me

1. Surrendering is not giving up; it’s letting go.
   Surrender doesn’t mean quitting or losing. It means releasing the need to control everything and trusting God to lead the way.

2. Faith grows in uncertainty.
   The most uncertain moments of my year were when my faith grew the deepest. Trusting God in the unknown brought me peace I couldn’t find anywhere else.

3. Strength comes in vulnerability.
   Surrender felt like weakness at first, but it became my greatest strength. It allowed me to lean into God’s grace and power.

4. God’s plans are better than mine.
   When I surrendered my expectations, I found that God’s purpose for my life was far greater than anything I could have planned.

5. Healing begins with trust.
   Surrender brought healing not just in my body but also in my heart and soul. Trusting God opened the door to clarity, restoration, and renewal.

6. Surrender is a daily choice.
   Letting go is not a one-time act. Trusting God with everything, my dreams, struggles, and life is a daily decision.

How Surrender Changed Me

This year taught me the beauty of surrender. I’ve learned to embrace the present moment instead of worrying about what’s next. My relationship with God has deepened in ways I never imagined. The challenges that once felt overwhelming now feel like opportunities to grow.

Surrendering is not easy. If you’re feeling stuck, lost, or overwhelmed, I encourage you to surrender. Trust that God’s plans for your life are good and that he is guiding you even when you can’t see the way forward.

As I step into the next chapter, I carry the lessons of this year with me, knowing that God’s strength is made perfect in my surrender.

Be blessed! 

XoXo, Jodi