Surrendering to God’s Sovereignty: Finding Stability Amidst Life’s Turbulence
Isaac Megbolugbe
November 20, 2025
Introduction
Life is a dynamic journey, often marked by unexpected twists and turns. As we navigate headwinds – cracks in relationships, the challenges of transitioning into adulthood, anxieties about retirement, and the rapid evolution of societal seasons – we are reminded of our limitations and the need for a solid foundation. Surrendering to God’s sovereignty is not just a theological concept; it is a transformative practice that offers stability, peace, and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
The Reality of Life’s Headwind
1. Cracks in Transition: Transitions are inevitable, but they often bring uncertainty. Whether it’s children leaving home, career shifts, or aging, these transitions can reveal cracks in our coping mechanisms, exposing fears and doubts.
2. Next Generation’s Challenges: The struggles of young adults “adulting” in a complex world can be overwhelming. Social media, economic pressures, and shifting cultural norms create an environment vastly different from that of previous generations.
3. Patriarchs’ Anxieties: As leaders, parents, or mentors, we worry about retirement, legacy, and whether we’ve prepared others to lead. The fear of losing influence or relevance can be daunting.
4. Evolving Seasons: Rapid changes in technology, culture, and global dynamics can leave us feeling outdated, anxious, or disconnected.
The Call to Surrender
Surrendering to God’s sovereignty means acknowledging that He is in control, even when life feels chaotic. It involves releasing our grip on outcomes, timelines, and our own understanding, choosing instead to trust in God’s goodness, wisdom, and plan (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Why Surrender is Crucial
1. God is Sovereign, We are Not: In a world where we are constantly reminded of our limitations, God’s sovereignty is a comforting truth. He is the One who holds the past, present, and future (Isaiah 46:10).
2. Perspective Shifts: Surrender changes our focus from “Why is this happening?” to “What is God teaching me?” This shift fosters resilience and a deeper trust in His goodness (Romans 8:28).
3. Peace in Uncertainty: When we surrender, we exchange anxiety for peace. Jesus reminds us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27).
4. Empowerment through Dependence: Surrender is not defeat; it’s empowerment. As we acknowledge God’s control, we tap into His strength, wisdom, and guidance (Philippians 4:13).
Practical Steps to Surrender
1. Prayer and Reflection: Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal areas where you need to surrender. Reflect on scriptures like Psalm 37:5, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”
2. Journaling: Write down your fears, worries, and doubts. Then, write God’s promises and past faithfulness beside them. This practice shifts focus to His sovereignty.
3. Community Support: Share your struggles with trusted spiritual mentors or friends. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to “carry each other’s burdens.”
4. Daily Surrender: Start your day by surrendering your plans to God. Invite Him to guide your steps and align your will with His.
5. Choose a mentor that you trust and respect It is important to lean on a mentor that has stood with you over your lifetime that can share truth with you in love. Be prepared to struggle, suffer and endure . It’s good for you but you need someone that will stand with you in the flesh while you focus on the Lord’s Presence and Comfort in the Spirit.
Addressing Specific Challenges
– Next Generation: Pray for them, and model surrender. Show them that true strength lies in God’s sovereignty (1 Timothy 4:10). Let God be God and just be present as a parent struggling with his or her steward responsibilities and duties .
– Retirement Anxieties: Focus on the legacy of faith you’ve built. Psalm 71:18 says, “Even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me.”
– Rapid Change: Anchor yourself in God’s unchanging Word (Hebrews 13:8). Seek His guidance for each new season.
The Outcome of Surrender
As we surrender to God’s sovereignty, we find:
– Stability in Chaos: A peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:7).
– Growth in Faith: Trust deepens as we see God’s hand in every season.
– Freedom from Anxiety: We are freed to live, knowing He is in control.
Surrender is a journey, not a one-time act. As you face life’s headwinds, may you find solace in God’s sovereignty, and may your spirit be stabilized.
Reflection Questions
– What areas of your life do you struggle to surrender to God?
– How can you practically apply surrender in your current challenges?
– What scriptures or practices can help you anchor your trust in God’s sovereignty?
You are not alone; God is with you in every season. Also, embrace a trusted person to stand with you.
Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International, retired professor at Johns Hopkins University, 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the United States of America.
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