"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." — James 4:10
What Holds Us Back from Becoming Entirely Ready?
Even after we’ve done the work—taking a fearless moral inventory, confessing our shortcomings, and admitting we are not who we pretend to be—there can still be resistance to fully surrendering to God.
1. Fear of the Unknown
Letting go means giving up control, and that can feel terrifying. We have lived in dysfunction for so long that we wonder: What will life look like without my old ways? The enemy whispers that surrender means losing everything when, in reality, it means gaining true freedom.
2. Attachment to Identity
We may still define ourselves by our past wounds, failures, or sins. Even after confession, we sometimes hold onto the identity of who we used to be. We feel unworthy of transformation and hesitate to fully let go.
3. Pride and Self-Sufficiency
The idea that “I can fix myself” is one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves. We may think that just trying harder or getting it together will lead to change. Becoming “entirely ready” means admitting that we cannot fix, heal, or redeem ourselves. Only God can.
4. Unresolved Shame
Even after admitting our sins, we may still carry shame. The enemy wants us to believe that we are too far gone for full healing, so we hold onto guilt as if it’s ours to bear. But Jesus took our shame to the cross so that we don’t have to carry it anymore.
5. Comfort in Dysfunction
Sometimes, we’ve been broken for so long that healing feels foreign. We may not like our struggles, but they are familiar. Change feels risky, and we hesitate to fully trust God with our transformation.
What Does It Take to Finally Let God?
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." — Psalm 51:10
1. Radical Honesty with Ourselves and God
We must fully accept that we cannot fix, heal, or redeem ourselves. Only God can. When we stop pretending, stop performing, and stop trying to control, we create space for true transformation. (Psalm 51:10)
2. A Willing Spirit
Readiness isn’t about perfection; it’s about willingness. Even if we don’t feel completely ready, we can ask God to make us ready. God is the one who transforms our hearts. (Philippians 2:13)
3. Daily Surrender
Letting go isn’t a one-time event. It’s a daily choice to release control and trust God. Each day, we must choose to surrender again, asking Him to take over every part of our lives. (Luke 9:23)
4. Humility and Trust
Humility means we stop fighting God. We let go of the illusion of control and trust His process, even when we don’t understand it. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
5. Seeking Spiritual Community
We do not walk this journey alone. Having a sponsor, mentor, or a group that reinforces our surrender to God is crucial. We need accountability, encouragement, and wisdom from those who have walked before us. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Recognizing the Spiritual Battle
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." — John 10:10
The battle is spiritual, and the enemy will not stop until we are totally defeated. He convinces us to battle as a peacekeeper instead of a peacemaker, when in reality, he has no intention of a peace treaty.
A peacekeeper tries to avoid conflict, maintain balance, and make things look okay on the surface. A peacemaker, however, fights for real, lasting peace by confronting the truth, walking in surrender, and using spiritual weapons.
The Enemy’s Strategy
Deception – He convinces us that partial surrender is enough. He tells us we can keep “just a little” control, but any area we hold onto is still a foothold for him. (John 8:44)
Accusation – He reminds us of our past, making us believe we’re unworthy of true transformation. He wants us to feel condemned rather than redeemed. (Revelation 12:10)
Distraction – He fills our minds with worry, busyness, and self-reliance to keep us from fully surrendering. If we’re too busy managing our struggles, we never surrender them. (1 Peter 5:8)
Compromise – He tells us that managing our struggles is the same as overcoming them. He wants us to believe that staying in control is the same as being free. (James 1:8)
Becoming a Peacemaker, Not a Peacekeeper
A peacekeeper avoids hard conversations, minimizes the battle, and holds onto just enough control to feel safe. A peacemaker, however, fights the right battle the right way—with spiritual weapons, total surrender, and unshakable faith.
How to Stand in Victory
Recognize the Battle is Won – Jesus already defeated the enemy; we must walk in that victory. (Colossians 2:15)
Put on the Armor of God – We don’t fight alone; we fight fully equipped. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Refuse to Settle – Anything less than full surrender is an open door for the enemy to keep working. (James 4:7)
Commit to the Process – Letting God means dying to self daily, moment by moment. (Luke 9:23)
Reflection & Discussion Questions
What part of surrender do you find most challenging?
Where do you feel the enemy is fighting you the hardest right now?
Are there areas in your life where you are trying to be a peacekeeper instead of a peacemaker?
What step can you take today to become entirely ready to let God?
Final Encouragement
The enemy wants you tired, discouraged, and trapped in cycles of partial surrender. But Jesus calls you to freedom, not survival. The battle is already won, and God is ready to take full control—if you are willing to let Him.
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." — James 4:7