Devotionals for the Heart: When God challenges you to change you

Learning to Surrender to God’s Process
A devotional by Lynette Allcock Yoon

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.”—1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)

I squirmed on the massage table as my massage therapist’s nimble hands stretched and kneaded each sore spot in my shoulders and neck. “Relax, relax,” she instructed me with a chuckle.

“I’ll do my best,” I laughed, trying to focus on deep, calming breathes even as my hands gripped the side of the bed. I knew that the therapist was working to help me. She had to get out my knots and stiffness. I knew that tightening my body against her pressure was only hurting me more. But it wasn’t easy to surrender to the process.

The next morning, as I stretched out my sore neck, a thought suddenly sprang into my mind: “How often do I struggle against God’s hand, just as I did during the massage?”

God’s hand in Scripture symbolizes His power, discipline, protection, blessing, and direction. However, the process of His leading and teaching can sometimes be uncomfortable—even painful—for us.

There are moments when God needs to get the “knots” out of my character. He wants to tackle my pride, my self-sufficiency, and my fear. I’m sure you can think of some traits of your own that God is challenging and changing. It would be nice to wake up one morning, feeling magically more patient, gracious, or courageous. But this change doesn’t usually happen overnight. Instead, God allows us to go through circumstances that require us to make choices, experience repentance and grace, and grow our character little by little.

Besides moments of God’s training and discipline, there are times when I sense God leading me somewhere I’m reluctant to go. Obeying God might put me into some difficult situations, that bring me to the end of myself and stretch my faith. Following God might challenge me to love and minister in ways that are outside my natural comfort zone. When God works in our lives in this way, the process isn’t always easy. But it is always for our good.

Isaiah describes God as a potter. If you’ve ever seen a potter at work, you know how literally hands-on they are as they craft their wares. Isaiah 64:8 (NLT) says, “O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand.”

But Isaiah also describes how God’s creations sometimes try to fight back against their Maker. He says in Isaiah 45:9 (NLT), “What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’”

God’s hand wants to stretch me, shape me, and ultimately make me into something beautiful. If I resist Him, I’m only making things harder for myself! Isaiah makes it clear that resistance ends in sorrow.

Hebrews 12:6, 11 (NLT) says, “For the Lord disciplines those He loves…No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”

The promise of a peaceful harvest of goodness and righteousness to come can help us learn to surrender to God’s hand in our lives. God loves us. He is working all things together for good.

Where might you be resisting God today? Where are you struggling under His hand? I encourage you to surrender. Don’t make the process of spiritual growth harder for yourself by fighting against it! There is a beautiful harvest of peace and righteousness, and a closer relationship with God, awaiting you.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Thank You for being our Maker. Thank You for guiding us through this life on Earth, blessing us abundantly, and disciplining us with your Hand. Help us not to resist You, but rather to submit to You. Help us to feel peace and joy in surrender, knowing that You are working for our good. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “I Surrender All” by Carrie Underwood. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Lead Me On” by Chandler Moore. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” by Lynda Randle. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Lynette Allcock Yoon is a writer, teacher, and former radio host. 

She grew up in three countries and now lives in South Korea with her husband.

Lynette writes about life abroad, faith, and relationships from an expat, Third Culture Kid (TCK) perspective.

Outside of work, Lynette enjoys musical theatre and long walks with good friends.

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Connect with Lynette:
Website: https://www.lynetteallcock.com/