Finding God at the End of Ourselves: A Guide to Surrender and Trust

Finding God at the End of Ourselves

Life is unpredictable. At times it is beautiful, full of joy and laughter, while at other times it is full of pain and sorrow. We all experience different seasons in our lives, and in those seasons, we are often faced with challenges that leave us feeling helpless and hopeless. But it is in the midst of those challenges that we can find God, and experience His love and grace in a way that we never have before.

When we come to the end of ourselves, we are forced to rely on God. We are reminded that we are not in control, and that we need Him. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

What Does it Mean to Come to the End of Ourselves?

Coming to the end of ourselves means realizing that we cannot do it on our own. It means recognizing that we are not in control, and that we need God. It means surrendering our lives to Him, and trusting in His plan for us.

Jesus said in Matthew 16:24-25, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Denying ourselves means putting aside our own desires and ambitions, and submitting to God’s will for our lives. Taking up our cross means being willing to suffer and endure hardships for the sake of Christ. It means following Him, no matter what the cost.

Why is it Important to Come to the End of Ourselves?

Coming to the end of ourselves is important because it is only when we are weak that we can truly experience God’s strength. It is only when we are broken that we can truly experience God’s healing. It is only when we are lost that we can truly experience God’s guidance.

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” When we come to the end of ourselves, we are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. But it is in those moments that we can experience the closeness of God.

When we come to the end of ourselves, we are also reminded that we are not in control. We are reminded that we need God, and that He is the one who is in control. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

When we trust in God and acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will guide us and direct us. He will make our paths straight, even when we cannot see the way.

How Can We Find God at the End of Ourselves?

1. Surrender to God

The first step in finding God at the end of ourselves is to surrender to Him. We must acknowledge that we are not in control, and that we need Him. We must surrender our lives to Him, and trust in His plan for us.

James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” When we submit ourselves to God, we are resisting the devil. We are putting our trust in God, and not in ourselves.

2. Seek God in His Word

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It is a source of comfort, guidance, and wisdom. When we are at the end of ourselves, we can find hope and encouragement in the pages of Scripture.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” When we read the Bible, we are reminded of God’s promises to us. We are reminded that He is with us, and that He will never leave us or forsake us.

3. Pray

Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. It is a way for us to pour out our hearts to Him, and to receive comfort and guidance from Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” When we pray without ceasing, we are constantly in communication with God. We are relying on Him for everything.

4. Lean on Others

God created us to live in community with one another. When we are at the end of ourselves, we need the support and encouragement of others.

Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” When we bear one another’s burdens, we are fulfilling the law of Christ. We are loving one another as He loved us.

5. Trust in God’s Plan

When we come to the end of ourselves, we are often faced with uncertainty and fear. But we can find peace and comfort in trusting in God’s plan for us.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” When we trust in God’s plan for us, we can have hope and a future.

Conclusion

Coming to the end of ourselves is not easy, but it is necessary. It is in those moments that we can find God, and experience His love and grace in a way that we never have before. When we surrender to God, seek Him in His Word, pray, lean on others, and trust in His plan for us, we can find hope and peace in the midst of our struggles.

So, if you are feeling helpless and hopeless, remember that you are not alone. God is with you, and He will never leave you or forsake you. Surrender to Him, seek Him in His Word, pray, lean on others, and trust in His plan for you. And know that, in the end, He will use your struggles for your good and His glory.