The Power of Submission

Today, we’re talking about something that doesn’t always feel natural—submission.

We live in a world that tells us to take control, be independent, and call the shots. But the Bible tells us there’s power in submitting—not in weakness, but in trusting God’s plan over our own.

So, settle in, and let’s talk about what true submission really looks like.

James 4:7 (NLT) — “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Submission can be a tough word to hear—it sounds like giving up, doesn’t it? But what if submission is actually about freedom, not control? Let’s dive in.

I used to be more independent than I am now, and when I thought about submitting, it felt like I was losing my say in things. But when it came to God, I learned the hard way that fighting against Him only makes things harder. Have you ever tried to do something your way, only to realize God had a better plan?

Biblical submission isn’t about weakness—it’s about trust. It’s about saying, “God, You know better than I do.”Biblical submission, often misunderstood, emphasizes humility, obedience, and trust in God's authority. It includes submission to God, spiritual leaders, and in relationships like marriage.

What’s an area of life where you struggle to let go?

It’s all about releasing the control we feel like we have to have. It’s not easy, but in order to follow the Lord, it’s necessary.

When we let go, we make room for God to work. What’s one thing you need to submit to Him today? Let’s choose trust over control.

I read this quote by Tony Evans, and it says:

“Unfortunately, one of the things we’re tempted to do when things fall apart is avoid God’s presence, when He’s the One we need the most. Yes, it’s hard to pray when your heart is breaking. But that’s when you need to pray the most.”

We have to fall in submission and pray for God’s guidance, then release control and follow where He leads.

Have you ever submitted to God’s plan and seen Him work things out in a way you never expected? Let’s share stories of God’s faithfulness with others.

We’re getting into how submission affects our daily lives. Whether it’s relationships, work, or faith—surrendering control can bring unexpected blessings.

Some of the strongest people I know are the ones who have fully submitted to God’s will. It’s not about being passive—it’s about being strong enough to trust Him. That just means they know God holds all and provides all, and in that, they’ll follow Him at all costs.

Our scripture today says that when we submit to God, the enemy has to flee. Why? Because when we’re fully under God’s protection, the devil loses his power over us.

When we worship, we find ourselves in submission to the Lord. In an article I was reading, it said this:

“When we surrender ourselves to God, we worship Him. Surrendering doesn’t lead us into worship; our surrender is our worship.” “We don’t surrender our lives to God to gain His favor. We offer ourselves to Him in response to the favor He’s already freely shown us because of the saving work of Jesus!”

When God looks at us, He sees the ones Jesus died to save. He sees His children, who have come to Him and surrendered who they are to Him.

Submission isn’t a loss—it’s a win. It’s about stepping into the life God has planned for you.

I’ve had to surrender my own desire for control so many times. I can see how things should go, and I want to step in and fix things. But I’ve had to learn to say, “Not my job. Not my concern.”If I don’t, I can get into a frenzy about things. It’s been hard, but submission has helped me draw closer to God and remember: He is in control, so I don’t need to be.

What’s one thing you need to surrender today?

Submission isn’t just something we do once—it’s a daily choice. Let’s talk about how we can live in submission to God every day.

It’s not always easy. There are times we want to take back control. But every time we trust God, He proves that His way is better.

Even in the little things—our schedules, our plans, our reactions—submission matters. What’s a small way you can practice surrender today?

Jesus was the ultimate example of submission. He submitted to the Father’s will—even when it led to the cross. And because of that, we have salvation.

In my devotional this week, I was reading the Scripture where Jesus goes to pray and asks God to take the cup from Him. But then He says, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

So often, we want to walk away. But we know we shouldn’t—because we know where we are is exactly where God has us. That’s submission in action. That’s choosing to stay in His plan.

True strength is found in surrender. When we submit to God, we step into the fullness of His promises. Trust Him today, and watch what He does.

James 4:7 (NLT) — “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

As you go about your day, think about this hymn and live it out wholeheartedly:

All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. I surrender all. 

Submission isn’t about losing—it’s about gaining the life God has planned for you. It’s about trusting God, leaning on His promises, and surrendering with confidence.