The Call to Surrender: Trusting God’s Plan During Lent

Lent is a season of transformation. It is a time when we are invited to let go of our own desires, distractions, and plans in order to embrace God’s will more fully. Yet, surrendering control is often one of the hardest things to do. We like to hold onto certainty, to map out our lives, and to find comfort in routine. But Lent challenges us to step back, loosen our grip, and trust that God is guiding us—even when we don’t understand the path ahead.

Why is Surrender So Hard?

As humans, we naturally seek control. We want to fix problems, shape outcomes, and ensure that everything turns out according to our expectations. But God calls us to something greater—faith. True faith is not just believing in God when things are going smoothly; it’s trusting Him even when life feels uncertain, difficult, or confusing.

Surrender does not mean passivity. It is not about giving up on our responsibilities or desires. Rather, it is an active choice to trust that God’s plan is greater than anything we could orchestrate on our own. It means saying, “Lord, I don’t have all the answers, but I trust that You do.”

Jesus as Our Example of Surrender

Throughout His life, Jesus modeled perfect surrender to the Father’s will. In the Garden of Gethsemane, as He prepared for His Passion, He prayed:

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done." (Luke 22:42)

Even in His suffering, Jesus entrusted Himself completely to the Father. He didn’t resist God’s plan, even though it led Him to the cross. And through His surrender, salvation was won for the world.

Lent is our time to enter into this same kind of surrender. We may not be called to the same sacrifice as Christ, but we are called to let go of anything that keeps us from trusting in God’s love and providence.

Practical Ways to Surrender During Lent

Surrender Through Prayer

• Each day, begin your prayers with a simple offering: “Lord, I give this day to You. Lead me where You want me to go.”

• Meditate on Jesus’ words in the Our Father: “Thy will be done.”

Let Go of Worry and Fear

• When anxious thoughts arise, repeat a simple surrender prayer: “Jesus, I trust in You.”

• Write down the things that worry you and physically place them at the foot of a crucifix, symbolizing your surrender to God.

Fast from Control

• If you are someone who always has to be in charge, try letting others take the lead in small ways.

• Give up something that makes you feel in control (such as planning every detail of your day) and allow God to surprise you.

Trust in God’s Timing

• Instead of forcing solutions, ask God for patience.

• Reflect on how He has been faithful in the past, and trust that He is working in your present and future.

A Challenge for the Rest of Lent

As we journey through the remaining weeks of Lent, let’s ask ourselves:

• Where in my life am I resisting God’s plan?

• What am I holding onto too tightly?

• How can I trust Him more?

Lent is not just about sacrifice—it’s about transformation. And the more we let go, the more we create space for God to work in our hearts.

This season, may we echo the words of Christ and truly mean them:

“Not my will, but Yours be done.”

How have you experienced God’s grace when you surrendered to His will? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!