When a Christian is asked, “Do you trust the Lord?” the usual response is, “Of course I do!” However, it is so much easier to say we trust God than to actually trust God. No, I’m not here questioning our faith with regards to our eternal salvation – I’m talking about our steadfast trust in God on a daily basis through the struggles and hardships of life. How many of us really live life in daily peace, power and purpose, as opposed to fear, weakness or aimlessness? “Easier said than done” becomes a glaring understatement.Joni Lamb, in her book Surrender All (WaterBrook Press), addresses this difficult issue head on. Her writing style is simple, yet impactful, because she not only clearly defines the problem (that many of us say we don’t have and yet do), but then eloquently presents the solution through the use of numerous real-life examples.
The stories draw from all areas of life – marriage, children, career, health, friendships, etc. – with compelling testimonies from those who have made the leap and surrendered all to God, including the author and her husband. She speaks from the heart, and by covering all these common areas of struggle and challenge, Joni makes it easy for the reader to find himself/herself relating to the storyteller on numerous occasions. More than once I found myself saying “Yes!” out loud as I was drawn into the story and situation of a person with whom I found common ground.
The proof as they say is in the pudding. We know intellectually that God never fails and that He is completely trustworthy. But as if to break through our intellect and reach into our souls, with case study after case study, Joni inspiringly shows the cause and effect relationship between surrendering all to God and finding that too-often-elusive peace, power and purpose. The stories are real and relatable. It has worked for others, so you come away from the book saying to yourself, “I can do this. I must do this. I will do this!” What are you willing to let go of in order to grab hold of the best God has for you? Surrender All may be just the word of encouragement you need to break through to life-changing personal victory!
