“When Surrender Sparks Strength”

God’s Promise:

Psalm 34:18 (ESV): “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Reflection:

Men, let me start with this: humility isn’t something we stumble upon by accident. It’s forged in the fires of surrender, heated by trials, and refined through the presence of Jesus in our lives. We live in a world that pushes us to stand tall in our own strength, to “man up” without showing weakness. But here’s the truth: real strength comes when we drop the act, hit our knees, and admit that we can’t do it alone.

I learned this the hard way. In 2008, life was good. I was in love with my family, filled with joy, and felt like I had everything under control. But then 2009 hit like a freight train. Out of nowhere, my marriage ended. Divorce blindsided me, leaving me humiliated, ashamed, and drowning in grief. I was disgusted with myself, filled with a pain so deep that one day, I found myself accelerating my car to over 65 mph in a 50, ready to end it all with an oncoming truck.

But God wasn’t done with me.

In that split second, before tragedy could unfold, God whispered into the chaos of my mind. He pulled me back, not with a booming voice, but with a gentle nudge that redirected my focus from me—my failures, my shame—to Him. That was the moment of surrender. Not the dramatic kind with tears and loud prayers, but the silent, gut-deep realization that I wasn’t the one holding it all together. God was.

Since then, He’s been refining me in the fire. Like gold in the forge, impurities rise to the surface when the heat is intense. It’s painful. It’s not quick. But it’s necessary. The beautiful part? Jesus is in the fire with us, just like He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. We might feel the heat, but we are never alone.

So, how do you know if you’re relying on your own strength? Simple: who are you talking to? What dominates your internal conversations? If it’s all about you—your plans, your failures, your control—then it’s time to shift the dialogue. Start talking to Jesus. Surrender your thoughts, your worries, your pride. It’s in that conversation where true strength is found.

Your family is watching you. They look to you as a reflection of God’s presence in their lives. Let them see not a man trying to be perfect, but a man perfectly surrendered. A man who speaks with Jesus so often that His grace shows up in your actions, your decisions, and even in your failures.

Today’s Value:

Dependence: True servant leadership isn’t about self-reliance; it’s about complete dependence on God.

Reflection Questions:

1. Who dominates your internal conversations—you or Jesus?
2. What areas of your life are you holding onto instead of surrendering to God?
3. How can your family see the reflection of Jesus in the way you lead, serve, and shepherd them?

Bible References:

• Psalm 34:18
• Daniel 3:24-25 (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace)
• Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the Lord with all your heart)
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 (My grace is sufficient for you)

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