The Power of Surrender – by Bermie Dizon

Perhaps you’ve heard this story before, but it’s worth sharing again because of the powerful lesson it teaches us about surrender.

A group of friends went swimming in a river during the spring when glacier runoff made the water quite dangerous. Despite warnings, one of the friends jumped in, got caught in the current, and was swept away toward the dangerous rapids.

One of the friends on shore was a trained lifeguard. As everyone else panicked, they turned to the lifeguard, urging him to act. But to their shock, he stood still, just watching his struggling friend. The group grew frantic, shouting, “Go save him!” Yet, the lifeguard didn’t move.

They watched in horror as their friend continued to fight the current, trying desperately to stay afloat. Then the unthinkable happened—their friend could no longer fight and began to drown. At that moment, the lifeguard sprang into action. With a few swift strokes, he reached the drowning man, pulled him to shore, and saved his life.

Relieved but angry, the group asked, “Why didn’t you jump in sooner? He could have died!” The lifeguard responded calmly, “I had to wait until he stopped fighting. If I had jumped in while he was still struggling, he would’ve dragged me under, and we both would have drowned. But the moment he surrendered, I could safely rescue him.” 

Isn’t this often how it is with us and Jesus? He is always there to save us, but many times we are caught up in the “waters” of life—overwhelmed by problems, heartache, depression, or suffering. We cry out to Him for help, but sometimes it seems like nothing happens. Like the lifeguard, Jesus is waiting for us to stop fighting on our own and fully surrender. 

When we finally let go and give up control, He steps in, lifts us out of the waves, and rescues us. In that moment of surrender, we realize that our strength was never enough, but His strength is more than sufficient. 

If you are going through a struggle right now, ask yourself: “Am I ready to fully surrender this to God?” It’s only when we stop trying to save ourselves that we can truly experience the saving power of Jesus.

Remember this: wherever you are and whatever you’re facing, Jesus has a far better plan for your life than you do. He is the perfect King over our lives—loving, wise, and compassionate. No one knows our struggles better than He does, and no one can rescue us as He can.

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14)

Surrender doesn’t mean defeat—it means trusting the One who can rescue us. When we stop fighting and let go of control, Jesus steps in and shows us that His grace and strength are all we need. Whatever battle you’re facing, trust that God is more than able to bring you through it.