I define surrender in two words: “Yes, Lord.”

When I was younger (and a relatively new Christian) Louie Giglio came to my church and taught many summer Sunday night services. (I think he did this for at least two years.) During one session he taught on Isaiah 26:8 and I’ve never forgotten him reading the passage and saying, “For Your Name and Your renown, O Lord…”  

That night at the altar I changed. My thinking changed, my heart changed.

For Your Name and Your renown, O Lord.

And although I didn’t realize it at the time these two words (Yes, Lord.) and this verse (Isaiah 26:8) would become my definition of surrender.

Yes, Lord. For Your Name and Your renown I will ________________.

I daily try to live this out…but more often than not I fail. I’m weak.

It’s a little like walking on water. Often like Peter I start to sink. Often I don’t like it because it requires something of me -- me.

Often I forget, and I get afraid, and selfishness rears its ugly head (because the opposite of surrender is self) but after awhile I remember again…and I step out onto the water once more. Thankfully I’m not out there alone.

So thankful for grace.