205. Summer of Abundance Week 4: Surrender is Where Freedom Starts

Welcome to Encouragement for Real Life and to week 4 of the Summer of Abundance series where we are journeying together for 12 weeks to a full life. So far we've covered three important elements of abundant living: 1) Identity in Christ, 2) Renewed Mindset, 3) Intimacy with God. Today's focus has to do with the posture of our hearts when it comes to our walk with Jesus, and I invite you to embrace a fresh perspective on this element of abundant life: Spiritual Surrender. I know, surrender may not sound like a very exciting subject, and it can challenge us a bit, can't it? But this can greatly impact our spiritual lives--all for good. Surrender isn't a restrictive, confining concept, it's actually a gift. It's a freeing way of life--one that God invites us into. 

Is it just me, or do we women struggle with surrender? Maybe it is just me. My parents raised me to be a strong, independent woman, and I share this in great detail in Chapter 6 of my book, Right Now Matters. I have to say, this independence has paid off well for me most of my life. Except for when I think I'm right. Or when I feel I need to be in control. Ask my husband, he'll tell you I have difficulty in letting go of my strong-willed tendencies. Or ask God and He'll verify that surrender is never my first choice.

The truth I continue to process is that surrender isn't a one time thing. This surrender thing is more than just a one and done activity. It's an initial surrender and a daily, sometimes moment-to-moment surrender.

Abundant life isn’t found in holding on tightly—but in letting go. Not in managing all the varying outcomes in life, but in trusting the One who sees the whole picture.

We look at Scripture for hope and discuss three surrender shifts.

When we surrender, we're not giving up--we're giving it over. Surrender is where freedom starts.

Next week, we are discussing the element of Purposeful Presence--and I can’t wait to dive in with you.

God bless you!

Recap:

Element: Spiritual Surrender

📖 Proverbs 3:5–6 · Matthew 16:24–25

Links in this episode:

• Last week's Episode 204 Summer of Abundance Week 3: Stay Close to Your Source
• Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG
• Matthew 16:24-25 NCV
• Explore Julie's 1-on-1 Abundant Life Mentoring
• Listen to the Summer of Abundance Playlist on Spotify
• Find Julie's books Right Now Matters and the Right Now Matters Bible Study
• Access the Summer of Abundance Companion Pages and free resources
• Find us on YouTube

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