I recently wrapped up facilitating a Sunday School class where we journeyed through I Give Up: The Secret Joy of Surrender by Laura Story. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Surrender is my “brand,” it’s the theme behind my writing and my daily life. I’d love to tell you it’s because I have it mastered, but that would be a lie. I’m a work in progress just like you.

I took a lot away from the class. I never thought of the rich man in Mark 10 missing out because he was selfish, as I assumed, but because he didn’t understand surrender.

Jesus was asking this man to open his hands. The guy got that part. But he thought that was where the transaction ended. He thought it was one-way. Surrender is opening your hands so God can give something far better for His glory. He doesn’t want you to empty your hands just because. That was huge for me.

Julie Arduini

I also learned that surrender has a ripple effect. You can’t give something up and allow God to work without others noticiing. As Laura stated, you’re going to be more patient. Calmer. People are going to see that, and wonder what’s going on. Our testimony will change them. They will surrender. And it will spiral in the most beautiful way.

I was able to see this first hand. I can’t share details because it isn’t my story to tell, but someone surrendered something valuable to them in faith. They have peace and God is working in it. That story inspired me. I’ve kept it in mind as I’ve moved forward in what God has asked me to lay down. As we closed out the study and talked about the ripple effect, I mentioned how inspired I was. Someone else shared their entire life changed in about a week in part of that other person’s testimony. What would have been hard to let go was much easier because she heard the surrender testimony and saw God’s faithfulness. The pieces are coming together for her because she understands she’s not emptying out for nothing. God is already showing her He has so much He’s putting in her hands that far outweighs what she’s giving up. It was such a powerful moment. It was the ripple effect in action.

I’m sharing this because this year has been something else. If you’re still home or having more quiet time than usual, my sense is that has purpose. God’s preparing you. In my experience, before the prep ends, a surrender is in order. And it’s scary.

This is the picture I share when I talk surrender and it perfectly illustrates what I Give Up is all about. Jesus loves you so much. If He’s nudging you to let something go, know He has something for you in return. He is good. Even if the journey is hard, know He is with You and the surrender is always for your good and His glory.

And if you testify, you can keep that ripple effect going!

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Save the date! September 3, 4, 5.

To give you extra Kindle reading material, FIVE of my books will be free, including the entire Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ Series I co-authored with my teen daughter. Starts September 3 at 3am Eastern.

If you enjoy them, please leave a review. Thanks so much!

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