The Race Against Time: Surrender in the Speed of Life

Ephesians 5:15-16, in the CSB, says, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil."

In our journey through life, especially in our younger days, we often find ourselves racing against time, trying to fit a thousand moments into a single day.

We're like athletes on a track, sprinting towards goals, dreams, and deadlines, but often, we're running with weights tied to our feet.

BUT These weights? These weights signify our struggles with surrendering fully to Jesus.

You see, the concept of time in our lives is like holding onto a bunch of helium balloons on a windy day. We hold on tightly, trying to control every aspect of our lives, afraid to let go of even one balloon, fearing it might fly away, beyond our reach. But here's the thing—sometimes, in our search to hold onto time, we end up missing the beauty of the skies above us, the vastness that represents God's plan for our lives.

Why do we struggle with this concept of time and surrender? The answer is twofold.

Firstly, it's our desire for control. We've been brought up in a society that celebrates independence. It is all about me, teaching us to believe that our destiny is in our hands alone. Letting go and letting God take control feels counterintuitive it doesn't work how you'd expect, like stepping into a boat without paddles.

Secondly, it's our fear of the unknown. Surrendering to Jesus means trusting Him with our plans, dreams, and even our daily schedules. It's intimidating because it requires faith in what we cannot see; it is similar to walking through a fog with only the light from a lighthouse to guide us.

But here's the good news: Overcoming these struggles is not only possible but promised through faith in Christ. Just as a sailor trusts the lighthouse to guide them safely to shore, we too can trust in the light of Jesus to guide us through the fog of uncertainty.

The first step to overcoming is recognizing that true freedom comes not from holding tighter to our time but from surrendering it to Jesus. It's about shifting our perspective from seeing surrender as a loss to viewing it as the ultimate gain—where we exchange our uncertainty for His peace, our plans for His purpose, and our time for His eternity.

To truly make the most of our time, as Ephesians instructs, we must start by laying down the weights of control and fear at the feet of Jesus. Imagine if, instead of racing against time, we walked in step with God's timing. Like a perfectly composed symphony, every note of our lives would find its place, not rushed or delayed, but in perfect harmony with the Composer's score.

1. Understand What It Means: Know that this act symbolizes trust in Jesus to handle the issues that are too big for you. It's about believing He cares for you and can work through your struggles for your good.

2. Reflect on Your Problems: Take some time to think about what's weighing on your heart. It could be worries about the future, mistakes you've made, or challenges you're facing.

3. Pray: In a quiet moment, talk to Jesus in prayer. Be honest and open, just like you would in a conversation with a friend. Tell Him what's bothering you and ask for His help and guidance. There's no specific way you need to pray; just speak from the heart. Start each day with prayer, not as a last resort but as our first action.

4. Visualize Handing Over Your Problems: Some find it helpful to visualize as they pray, imagining handing over each worry or problem to Jesus at the cross. This can help solidify the act of trust in your mind.

5. Read Scripture: The Bible is full of promises and stories of God's faithfulness and love. Reading passages that affirm this can reinforce your trust in Jesus. Verses like Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Peter 5:7, and Philippians 4:6-7 can be comforting.

6. Let Go and Trust: After you've handed your problems over, work on letting go of the worry. This can be the hardest part, as it requires faith and trust. When anxieties come back, remind yourself that you’ve entrusted them to Jesus, and focus on His peace.

7. Seek Support: Sharing your feelings and experiences with a trusted friend, mentor, or youth leader who shares your faith can provide additional support. They can pray with and for you, offering encouragement and reminders of Jesus’s love and care.

8. Live in Faith: Continue living your daily life with faith and trust in Jesus, making decisions and acting in ways that reflect your trust in Him to guide and support you.

let's choose to run this race differently. Let's lay down the weights of control and fear, embracing surrender as our path to true freedom. By making the most of our time through surrender, we open our lives to the extraordinary possibilities that God has in store for us—possibilities that far exceed anything we could grasp on our own.

Remember, in the Kingdom of God, surrender isn't the end; it's the beginning of a life lived to the fullest, under the grace and guidance of our Savior. Let's make this choice today, to run our race with purpose, knowing that in every moment surrendered, we're one step closer to the heart of Jesus.

God bless you all!