A devotional on surrender centers on one of Paul’s boldest statements. In Galatians 2:20 (ESV), he writes that he has been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer he who lives, but Christ who lives in him. Surrender is not losing yourself. It is finding real life in Jesus.
Key Verse
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, ESV)
Crucified With Christ
Paul is not describing a feeling but a reality. When we trust Jesus, we are united with him in his death. Our old life, ruled by sin and self, has been put to death with him. That means sin no longer has the final say over us. We belong to someone else now.
This is why surrender is not a grim, joyless act. It is a release. The old self that had to earn, prove, and control has been nailed to the cross.
Christ Who Lives in Me
The second half of the verse is just as stunning. Christ lives in me. The risen Jesus, by his Spirit, dwells in every believer. The life we now live in our bodies, with all its ordinary tasks, is lived by faith in him. Surrender means giving up the steering wheel and trusting the One who knows the way.
Paul adds the heart of it all: the Son of God loved me and gave himself for me. We do not surrender to a cold master. We surrender to the One who loved us first.
Daily Surrender
Surrender happens once at conversion, but it is also renewed every day. Each morning we choose again: my plans or his, my comfort or his calling. Lent is a good season to notice where we are holding on tightly. It might be a relationship, a career goal, a fear, or a grudge.
Open your hands. Tell Jesus what you are holding. Ask him to take it and to live his life through you.
Today, Try This
Open your hands in prayer, name one thing you have been trying to control, and say, Jesus, I give this to you.
Reflection Question
What area of your life are you most reluctant to surrender to Jesus, and why?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that you loved me and gave yourself for me. I surrender my life to you again today. Take my plans, fears, and desires. Live your life in me, and help me trust you with every step. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Galatians 2:20 mean?
Galatians 2:20 (ESV) teaches that believers are united with Christ in his death and resurrection. The old self is crucified, and the risen Christ now lives in us. We live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us.
What does it mean to surrender to God?
Surrendering to God means trusting him with control of your life, your plans, desires, fears, and future, and choosing his will over your own. It is a response to his love, not a way to earn it, and it is renewed daily.
Does surrender mean losing my personality?
No. Surrender does not erase who God made you to be. It frees you from sin and self-centeredness so your true self can flourish in Christ. Paul still had his own voice and gifts while Christ lived in him.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Read more daily devotionals
- Go deeper: Matthew 7:13-14 study
- Related: read: Devotional on Dying to Self
- Related: Devotional on Walking by the Spirit: Galatians 5:16
- Related: Devotional on New Life in Christ