From Performance to Surrender

Hey!! I hope you had the chance to listen to the latest episode of the I Am M.U.C.H. Woman Podcast, where Cat shares more about her story. I am so grateful to her for being so open and authentic in her sharing.

The concept of “performing” is especially interesting to me, as a trained actress. For those who may not know, I received my bachelor’s degree in Theatre with an emphasis on performing. I absolutely love theater, and I have deeply appreciated the opportunity to portray other people’s stories over the years. Stepping into someone else’s shoes, even for just a few weeks, has taught me so much about empathy and humanity.

But what happens when it comes to our lives—yours and mine? Not everyone is trained in performing arts, so why do we sometimes end up “performing” or showing a version of ourselves rather than being our authentic selves? Perhaps it’s because culture has taught us that happiness can be unlocked through a special key, one that promises no pain. So, we try to do things "this way" or "that way," thinking it will help us avoid pain and lead us to the best life possible. However, Scripture tells us something different. In John 16:33, Jesus reminds us that we will face tribulations, and in James 1:2-4, we are encouraged to consider it joy when trials come our way because they give our faith the opportunity to grow. But, returning to John 16:33, Jesus also reassures us that we won’t face these trials alone—He will be with us.

Here is the truth, friends: it is important that we let our endurance develop. Every time we face hardship, we have the chance for our endurance to grow. And growing through the tough times is truly how we experience the blessings that come afterward. Surrendering to the Lord’s will and His way is the pathway to true peace. The kind of peace that Paul talks about in Philippians 4:7. The NLT Study Bible explains this peace like this: “God’s peace is different from the world’s peace (see John 14:27). True peace is not found in positive thinking, in the absence of conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. Our citizenship in Christ’s Kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and we can have victory over sin. Let God’s peace guard your heart against anxiety.”

We don’t come by this kind of peace by chance. As my grandmother always says, “I’m not new to this, I grew to this.” At 40, I’m truly starting to understand this. There have been times I wished I had learned some of these lessons sooner, but I’m finally letting go of that wish. I learned it when I learned it—and that’s enough.

The goal is simply the willingness to learn. The courage to surrender to the Lord. James 4:17 reminds us that when we know better, the responsible thing is to do better. And the beautiful part is that the Lord is with us through it all. Through it all. Through. It. All.

Thank you, Lord.

To God be the Glory, Forever and Ever. Amen.

Publishers, Tyndale House. NLT Life Application Study Bible, Second Edition (Function). Kindle Edition.