A Journey to God

It’s incredible to think that, over time, hearing the phrase “give it to God” has become so difficult. We tell others, “just put it in God’s hands,” yet many times we don’t fully understand what that truly means.

For a long time, I had a mistaken idea of surrender. I thought it meant simply stopping my prayers about something. Others believe it means waiting with crossed arms until something happens. But the reality is different. I used to think that giving something to God meant letting Him work on the situation, without realizing that it also meant allowing Him to work within me.

For a long time, I prayed for something that, without noticing, began to consume my entire being. I lived constantly expecting it to happen at any moment. That season led me to isolate myself. I stopped truly living because I was too focused on how God was going to answer my prayer. I lost my sense of purpose and rhythm. Over time, this mindset led me to hit a wall — a wall that woke me up to where I truly was. I realized that my behavior was not allowing God to do His will and His work in me.

It hurt. Of course it did. Because I thought that by praying, I was surrendering. But in reality, my actions were saying the opposite.

There are times when, if something is meant for us, God brings peace into our hearts. But there are also seasons meant for movement, and others meant simply for prayer and trust. Waiting and truly surrendering requires something very specific: letting go of control. There is nothing we can do in our own strength to help God fulfill what we ask of Him.

That wall of reality helped me understand that it wasn’t the right time. I wasn’t ready yet to receive the blessing. I needed to return to my first love, to rebuild my devotional life, and to reclaim my own identity. I had to stop trying to control the outcome, even with my thoughts, and allow God to work according to His perfect will. It isn’t easy. We become so attached to how we think things should happen. But in this walk of faith, God invites us to trust Him completely.

That is why I have made this verse my own:

“…and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

This means that every thought must be surrendered to Christ. Though we live in a fleshly body, even our thoughts and emotions must be brought under His authority. And this only happens through a daily, intentional relationship with our Heavenly Father.

A phone doesn’t charge itself, and a candle doesn’t light itself. If we are careless, we forget to recharge and allow the flame to slowly fade.

Have you noticed how easily we remember the stories in the Bible where faith is tested and God is glorified? We feel encouraged and inspired, yet when it comes time to live those truths ourselves, it becomes far more difficult. Honestly, I’ve been there.

The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah has always deeply ministered to me. A couple advanced in age, longing for a child, waiting years for a promise that seemed impossible — until God decided to answer in His perfect timing. I admire Elizabeth’s devotion, her faithfulness to God regardless of her circumstances. But I also see myself in Zechariah — someone who, even after hearing God’s promise, still doubted.

Looking back, I realize I was Zechariah in that season. And through that process, I learned to let God work in me. To return to a life of devotion like Elizabeth — worshiping God, continuing to live fully, trusting Him, and fixing my eyes on Him alone.

So what have I learned?

• Letting go does not mean stopping your prayers, but allowing God to take control.
• True surrender allows God to work not only in the situation, but in your heart.
• Do not neglect your devotional life or your personal growth while waiting.
• Learn to enjoy daily life instead of being consumed by anxiety.
• Meditate on God’s Word and make it your own, remembering it is a double-edged sword.

If this spoke to you, feel free to leave a comment below, I’d love to hear your heart 🤍