Welcome back to Daily Bread Devotions. Today’s episode is all about surrender and spiritual growth—something that, honestly, I think every single one of us wrestles with at some point in our walk with Jesus. Michael, Margaret, I’m really excited to dive in, and I’d love to start with how Scripture frames surrender. One of the most powerful images for me is Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. That moment in Luke 22:42—‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ It’s just so honest.Yeah, Grace, that moment hits me every time. I mean, Jesus Himself is literally laying down His will. There’s nothing robotic about it. And then you’ve got Abraham, in Genesis 22—he’s asked to offer Isaac, which, uh, every time I reread that, I kinda feel that tension, y’know? It’s like God is inviting us to trust Him at a level that goes way, way beyond comfort.It’s a challenging yet deeply profound part of the journey, isn’t it? I remember, during my own theological studies, I spent a significant amount of time reflecting on Psalm 139—‘You have searched me, Lord, and you know me…’ That sense of God’s intimate knowledge led me to realize how much I clung to control even in mundane parts of daily life. Surrender grew less about grand gestures and more about, well, letting go in the small moments—trusting that I am thoroughly known and yet still held securely in His hands.That’s so beautiful, Margaret. And I think for some of us, we get tripped up because surrender sounds passive or scary—and yet, scripturally, it’s really the core of genuine spiritual growth. If even Jesus had to face surrender, I mean, who are we to try avoiding it?Exactly, it’s not about giving up or checking out, but that open posture that says, “God, I want Your way more than I want mine.” That’s, uh, scary to actually pray! But I think, as a community, we can walk together into it. And honestly, I still struggle with relinquishing stuff, big and small—I think that’s part of being human.The beauty of Christian tradition is that we aren’t left to figure this out alone. The church, over centuries, has identified spiritual disciplines—practices that cultivate space for God in our lives. You’ve got prayer and silence, which, I realize, can feel daunting in our noisy world. But also fasting, which was once common in the life of every believer. And journaling, which I think is having a bit of a revival among younger Christians.That’s true. I gotta say, when I first tried journaling, I wasn’t expecting much—I’m not a big writer, honestly—but after a while, it was like God used my own words to, uh, hold up a mirror. I started noticing these little patterns—ways I was clinging to control at work, or worrying about stuff I’d already prayed about. Kind of like the Ignatian examen, y’know, reviewing where God showed up and where I tried to go my own way.Yeah, Michael, I love that. And, Margaret, you mentioned silence. It sometimes feels impossible, but I’ve found, just setting my phone down for five minutes of actual quiet with God—it changes my entire morning. Dallas Willard used to talk about habits that train our hearts toward God, right?—like, these are not checkboxes, but relational practices, not legalistic rules.Absolutely, Grace. These practices—there’s such deep wisdom in them. They aren’t meant to earn us points, but to open us up, inch by inch, to the Spirit’s work. And for anyone listening who feels discouraged if your mind wanders during prayer, or if you can’t maintain fasting as you intend—that’s perfectly normal. Even Ignatius of Loyola, whose daily examen we still use, spoke of the slow, uneven progress we make. Surrender is very much woven into the fabric of these habits.You know, it’s wild, because real-life surrender stories keep me grounded. Corrie ten Boom, like, she hid people during the Nazi occupation, and it cost her everything. Her surrender wasn’t just a feeling—it was a powerful action, one that’s, well, inspiring and humbling. But surrender isn’t only epic; it can be found in people in our churches, letting God shape their stories, sometimes in very quiet ways.It’s true, Michael. And the fruit of that surrender is often astonishing. In John 10:10, Jesus says, ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’ It's as if, once we let go, we discover God’s plans surpass our own. Time and again, I’ve witnessed ordinary people step out, frightened and unsure, only to find purpose and joy blooming in entirely new directions.That makes me think of my own college years. I had it all planned out—a specific major, a career, the whole thing. But the more I prayed, the more I kept sensing God nudging me toward something else. It was scary to lay down my plans, but honestly, so many doors opened that I just… I never would’ve even thought to knock on. God’s abundance really does show up in surrendered spaces.And, like, it’s rarely easy or linear. I’ve found, the more I make room for God, the more surprising—and good—His direction becomes. Not what I would’ve scripted, for sure. I mean, spiritual growth just kind of sneaks up on you sometimes.That’s a wonderful reminder, Michael. Ultimately, surrender is the soil where deep transformation grows. It’s a lifelong process, for us and for everyone listening. And wherever you are, just know, there’s grace for every faltering step.That’s so good, Margaret. Well, friends, that’s all we’ve got time for today, but we’d love for you to join us next time on Daily Bread Devotions as we keep exploring what it means to walk with Jesus, day by day. Thanks for being here, Michael and Margaret!Grace, Margaret, always a pleasure—so grateful for this conversation. Can’t wait for the next episode.Thank you both, and thank you to everyone listening—take care and see you soon.

Episodes

Surrender and Spiritual Growth