As Christian moms, we often find ourselves at a crossroads where we must choose to trust the Lord with our lives—and perhaps more difficultly—with the lives of our children. The idea of surrender can feel overwhelming. It challenges our desire for control and tests our faith. But when we look at the Bible, we see powerful examples of mothers who surrendered to God’s perfect will, trusting Him with the outcome.
In this post, we’ll explore the stories of four women in Scripture who modeled surrender: Moses’ mother, Ruth, Hannah, and Mary. Their lives teach us what it means to yield to the Lord, even in uncertainty, and to trust in His perfect plans.
What Does It Mean to Surrender?
The word "surrender" often carries a connotation of defeat, but in the Christian faith, surrender is a beautiful act of trust and worship. Here are some definitions that apply particularly well to biblical surrender:
The action of yielding one's person or giving up the possession of something, especially into the power of another.
To give oneself up into the power of another.
To give up in favor of another, especially voluntarily.
Surrender, in the context of our relationship with God, is an intentional act of faith. It’s choosing to trust that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) and that His plans are for our ultimate good (Jeremiah 29:11).
Biblical Examples of Surrender
Each of the following women faced situations that required extraordinary faith. Let’s examine what they surrendered and the outcomes of their surrender.
1. Moses’ Mother: A Surrender of Protection
Scripture Passages: Exodus 1:8–2:10, Hebrews 11:23-29
The story of Moses’ mother, Jochebed, unfolds during a time of great danger for the Israelites. The Pharaoh had commanded that every Hebrew baby boy be thrown into the Nile River to die. In this terrifying context, Jochebed gave birth to Moses.
Instead of succumbing to fear, she hid her son for three months. When she could no longer keep him hidden, she crafted a basket, placed him inside, and set him adrift in the Nile. Her act of surrender was profound: she entrusted her precious child into the hands of God.
What Did She Surrender?
The safety and future of her child.
The ability to mother him as she desired.
The Result of Her Surrender:
God protected Moses, who was found by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised in the palace.
Moses grew up to be the deliverer of Israel, leading God’s people out of Egypt and into freedom.
Jochebed’s surrender reminds us that when we release our children into God’s hands, He can do far more with their lives than we ever could.
2. Ruth: A Surrender of Security
Scripture Passages: Ruth 1:1-22, Matthew 1:5-6
Ruth was a Moabite widow who faced a life-altering decision after the death of her husband. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, decided to return to Israel, urging Ruth to remain in Moab where she could potentially rebuild her life.
But Ruth made a radical choice: she surrendered her security and stayed with Naomi, declaring, “Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth left her homeland, her culture, and her comfort to follow the God of Israel.
What Did She Surrender?
Her security and familiarity.
Her own plans for the future.
The Result of Her Surrender:
Ruth became part of the lineage of Christ, as the great-grandmother of King David.
Her story is a beautiful testimony of God’s redemptive power and faithfulness.
Ruth’s life teaches us that surrendering our plans to God often leads to blessings far beyond what we could imagine.
3. Hannah: A Surrender of Desire
Scripture Passages: 1 Samuel 1:1-28
Hannah longed for a child, but she was barren. Year after year, she poured out her heart to God, asking Him to grant her a son. Finally, in an act of complete surrender, she vowed that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord all the days of his life.
God honored Hannah’s prayer, and she gave birth to Samuel. True to her promise, she brought him to the temple and entrusted him to the Lord’s service.
What Did She Surrender?
Her deepest desire for a child.
The privilege of raising her son in her own home.
The Result of Her Surrender:
Samuel became a great prophet and judge in Israel, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s history.
Hannah’s story continues to inspire countless believers to trust God with their deepest longings.
Hannah’s surrender shows us that when we give our desires to God, He can use them to accomplish His greater purposes.
4. Mary: A Surrender of Reputation and Control
Scripture Passages: Luke 1:26-56
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, announcing that she would give birth to the Messiah, her world was turned upside down. She was a young, unmarried woman, and this news surely brought questions about her reputation, her future marriage, and her life plans.
Yet Mary’s response was one of total surrender: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). She willingly embraced God’s plan, trusting Him with the unknowns.
What Did She Surrender?
Her reputation and the potential judgment of others.
Her own plans for her life and marriage.
The Result of Her Surrender:
Mary became the mother of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
Her faith and obedience became a model for all believers.
Mary’s surrender challenges us to trust God, even when His plans disrupt our own.
What Is God Asking You to Surrender?
As you reflect on these stories, consider what God might be asking you to surrender in this season of your life. Is it your children’s future, your personal plans, or a specific desire?
Surrender is rarely easy, but it’s always worth it. When we release our grip on control and trust God with the outcome, He can work in ways that far exceed our expectations.
What Could Result from Your Surrender?
The Bible is full of stories that show how God uses surrendered lives to accomplish His purposes. Your surrender could:
Bring glory to God in ways you can’t yet see.
Impact the lives of your children and future generations.
Strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with the Lord.
Encouragement for Moms
Mama, surrendering to God doesn’t mean you’re weak or defeated. It means you’re strong enough to trust the One who holds all things in His hands. Like Jochebed, Ruth, Hannah, and Mary, your surrender can pave the way for God’s incredible work in your life and the lives of your children.
Take a moment today to ask God what He’s calling you to release into His hands. Pray for the courage to trust Him, and remember that His plans for you are good, even when the path is unclear.
Let’s walk this journey of surrender together, encouraging one another as we trust the Lord with our lives and our children.
What is God asking you to surrender today? Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below. Let’s lift each other up as we step into His perfect will.
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