It seems counterintuitive to propose surrender in a society that is fixated on control, certainty, and self-made success. Since a young age, we are taught to control our future, pursue our dreams, and bring about change. However, what if the best way to be strong is to let go rather than to hold on? What if we achieve success by surrendering rather than by continuously trying?
This is the sole purpose of The Invitation, a book that sends a profoundly personal call to venture into the unknown and put all of one’s trust in God, in addition to providing spiritual insight. The goal is to find the freedom, healing, and purpose we’ve always desired by giving up independence for divine partnership.
The Battle between Control and Trust
As human beings, to be in control is our psychological need—we want to feel like we’re in authority. We get a sense of power, predictability, and safety from it. But control frequently acts as a barrier to spiritual development. We were never meant to play God, and the more we attempt to control every possible outcome, the more we wear ourselves out. The Invitation mentions that fear is frequently the root cause of control.
This book vividly depicts humanity’s initial struggle with control by using the Garden of Eden as a metaphor. Adam and Eve had everything, but doubt crept in when the enemy muttered, “Did God really say?” It became necessary to assume control. They departed from God’s will and lost their relationship with Him in their quest to “be like Him.”
This theme echoes throughout the book: our broken attempts to manage life on our own and how they lead to emptiness. The beauty, however, lies in the turning point—the moment when we realize control isn’t power; it’s a prison.
What It Truly Means to Surrender to God
Surrender means to give in, not to give up. According to The Invitation, surrender means coming home to the Father’s heart, like the prodigal son at last—not to be punished but to be welcomed.
Saying “I trust You more than I trust myself” is the definition of surrender. It involves putting our self-constructed identities on hold and letting God restore the one He created.
We are commanded to submit in the same way that Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane, declaring, “Father, if it be possible, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Luke 22:42) His surrender served as the base for his resurrection, demonstrating that God raises what we lay down in obedience.
Transformation is cultivated in the soil of surrender. It’s where peace takes root, shame is overthrown, and our hearts soften once more.
How Surrender Leads to Transformation and Renewed Purpose
Transformation can’t be forced. It takes place in the quiet times when we decide to lean into God’s love and let go of control, outcomes, and wounds. The transformation process in The Invitation is both profoundly spiritual and incredibly human.
When soul fasting muffles the noise of ego, fear, and false identity, clarity returns.
When we give up, we allow ourselves to be redefined. We trade anxiety for peace. We exchange weariness for rest. We begin to walk with confidence and cease to question our worth.
Instead of asking, “Who am I supposed to be?” we ask, “I am who He says I am.”
Real-Life Reflections of Peace through Surrender
There are many vulnerable moments in The Invitation, including letters, laments, and personal accounts of what it looks like to put faith before fear. The fact that surrender frequently results from desperation is among the most striking themes.
The Invitation demonstrates that surrender doesn’t make us weaker; rather, it makes us stronger.
It draws attention to times when the author cried in disbelief and the Divine responded with hushed words of peace. And in those moments, perspective changed—not everything—but identity was restored.
We’re reminded that the pinnacle of trust is Jesus’ surrender to God. He gave up His glory, endured pain, and bore the cross, not because He lacked control, but because He completely trusted the Father’s plan.
We are offered the same surrender—not to physically bear a cross—but to give up our false selves and listen to the voice of God.
The Garden of Restoration
The Garden of Restoration, the book’s last garden, paints a striking picture of what occurs when we fully surrender. The Tree of Life is being revisited. A Great Communion Revival. Peace returns.
By demonstrating that surrender is the first step toward living Heaven on Earth, the book not only points to Heaven as a hope for the future but also brings that hope into the present.
Conclusion: An Ongoing Invitation
Surrendering to God is the way of a peaceful life. We are given The Invitation to trust and let go. To begin abiding instead of striving. To walk with faith rather than fear.
The Invitation is clear: surrender is the first step toward peace. When we trust the Divine answer, everything changes. We get a new identity. Our goal is made clear. We regain an intimate relationship with God.
That being said—what are you still attempting to control? Will you surrender?
Luke 9:23:
“For anyone who would follow me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross every day, and follow Me.“