How To Surrender to God: Even Your Body Image Issues

This post is all about learning how to completely surrender to God. If you’re struggling with body image (or with anything really…), then this post is for you. 

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Just this morning, I needed to surrender to God…

If you’re anything like me — every morning, every day (many times a day 🤷🏻‍♀️) is a good time to surrender to God. 

Picture this…

It’s a new day — the sun is shining — you say thank you, Lord, for this day — Jesus take the wheel — I love you and want to please you — then you go about our day, and BAM!

Something happens…

And the first thing you do is try to fix it — your own way.

Because that’s what we human beings want to do. We want to control ALL THE THINGS.

(I don’t know about you, but letting go of control is not my thing 🙃.)

Today, we’re going to talk about what a surrendered life looks like and how the simple act of surrender changed mine and can change yours, too! 

​So, let’s jump right into it…

What Does It Mean To Surrender to God?

If the word surrender sounds extreme or the concept of surrender to God is completely foreign to you — stay with me – I’m going to do my best to break it down for you.

Here’s a quick story that’ll give you a real life example of surrendering to God…

It took a literal hurricane for me to wave my white flag. 

It didn’t matter how much money I had in the bank — because I couldn’t access it…

It didn’t matter how many people I knew that could help me — because all communication was cut off…

I literally had no one to turn to and nowhere to run… 

You know… that moment when your back is up against the wall — and the walls are caving in on you FAST.  

I was desperately sobbing…

My entire body was trembling… 

All I could do was look up, raise my arms to my Abba Father, and say, I SURRENDER. 

And it was at that moment — one of the most difficult times in my life — that the idea of surrender seemed appealing. 

I can’t say that things took a turn for the better (or at least my version of better) — but I must say this…

I saw God’s goodness, God’s mercy, and God’s grace in EVERY area of my life — even the everyday “non-important” areas (more about this later).

(We all face our personal storms, our own “hurricanes” that test our faith. I’d love to hear your story — feel free to email me and share your journey with me!)

This is what it means to surrender to God…

• Surrendering to God means relinquishing control. 
• Abandon your own will in exchange for the will of the Father.
• It’s you inviting God to take the driver’s seat in your decision-making, in your relationships, and in the seemingly unimportant things — like your struggle with body image, emotional eating, and wellness goals.

Surrendering to God means trusting Jesus Christ, the Son of God, with every fiber of your being. It’s an act of faith — acknowledging that His plan is bigger and better than yours and that He has your best interest at heart.

The beauty of it is…

You’re not just giving up control — you’re trading your worries and plans for His peace and direction. 

It’s saying, “God, I may not understand the path, but I trust your heart and guidance.” 

It’s in this trust that you find freedom from the pressure to be “perfect.” Because when God is in the driver’s seat, every part of your life, including how you view yourself, aligns with His love and purpose for you.

Ultimately, to surrender to God is to let Him shape you into who you are designed to be —  all for His glory. Because, after all — we were created to worship…

What Does the Bible Say About Surrendering to God?

The Bible is bursting with examples of surrender. The Apostle Paul is a perfect example of a life transformed by faith in Christ Jesus. 

In Romans 12:1, Paul urges us, including me and you, to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice — to show gratitude for God’s mercy. This includes how we view and treat our bodies, accepting them as part of our worship to God.

Then, in verse 2, he advises us to stop chasing what everyone else does, like pleasure, possessions, status, and the “ideal body.”

But instead…

He suggests we focus on changing from within — our thoughts and knowledge.

As we renew our minds, we start to understand what God really wants for us. This new perspective helps us see our bodies as instruments for serving and advancing His kingdom.

In doing so, we align our self-image with God’s view, seeing ourselves as valuable tools in His hands.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice — the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:1-2 NLT 

Examples of Surrendering to God in the Bible

There are so many beautiful and inspiring examples of surrendering to God in the Bible…

The very first one that comes to mind is…

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane ​

Jesus, facing the ultimate test, showed true surrender by choosing His Father’s will over His own during a time of grueling-uncomparable-deep distress.

Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.

Luke 22:42 ESV

Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Mary displayed remarkable surrender when told she’d bear the Son of God. This showcases her complete trust and submission to God’s plan.

Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.

Luke 1:38 ESV

Ruth 

Ruth embodied loyal surrender by choosing to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after her husband’s death. This sort of surrender led her to Boaz and was an example of God’s providence for those who surrender to Him.

Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

Ruth 1:16 NIV

The Samaritan Woman at the Well

This woman’s surrender began with an open heart to Jesus’ message at the well. This led to her transformation and the belief of many in her community.

Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?

John 4:29 NIV

The Widow of Zarephath

During a severe drought, this widow surrendered her last food to Elijah, trusting in God’s provision. This led to an endless food supply and her son’s miraculous revival.

She went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days.

1 Kings 17:15 ESV

10 Surrendering to God Verses

The word of God has SO many great nuggets!

Here are my top 10…

Proverbs 3:5-6 TRUST God completely and He’ll guide your path. 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.

Romans 12:1-2 Give yourself to God and let Him TRANSFORM your thinking. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Matthew 16:24-25 Deny yourself and FOLLOW Jesus to truly find life. Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘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.’

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Psalm 46:10 Be calm and know GOD IS IN CONTROL. Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

James 4:7-8 Surrender to God and EXPERIENCE Him. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Philippians 4:6-7 Replace worry with PRAYER for God’s peace. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Luke 22:42 Choose GOD’S WILL in difficult times. Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.

Galatians 2:20 Live FAITHFULLY, trusting in Jesus’ love and sacrifice. ​I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

1 Peter 5:6-7 Be HUMBLE — God will uplift and care for you. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Isaiah 55:8-9 God’s WISDOM and knowledge exceeds ours. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

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💖 Recommended Resources 💖

Check out all of the FREE Body Image Related Resources here!

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Benefits of Surrendering to God Completely

When you surrender everything to God, you step into the spiritual journey He designed for you as a beautiful daughter. 

Here’s what’s in it for you…

1. Freedom in Christ: Total surrender frees you from the bondage of your old self and the disheartening societal pressures we all struggle with. This aligns you with the Gospel’s liberating truth!
2. Inner Peace: Trusting in God over your own understanding brings peace, even when you’re going through a difficult time.
3. Strength in Tough Times: The best way I can explain this one is with 2 Corinthians 12:9… My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  

Experience True FREEDOM 🙌🏼!

Let go of ALL worries, my beautiful friend, including body image and self-esteem issues, as God deeply cares for every aspect of your life. 

Cast ALL your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Surrender to God Prayer

The best ways to intentionally practice surrender are by #1 reading God’s word and #2 praying.

If you need a little help to get you going here’s a prayer…

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being such a good God. I come to You now, seeking comfort and the confidence that comes from knowing I am Your beloved daughter. I surrender all areas of my life — all health and financial worries, relationship struggles, time management, career and societal pressures, and self-worth, body image, and identity struggles — into Your loving care. Remind me that in Your eyes, I am perfectly created and deeply loved. Give me the strength to see myself as You see me and guide me in living out the identity You have given me. Help me to walk in the assurance of Your love and the peace of Your presence every day.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next Steps — How Do I Surrender to God?

The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do is let go of pursuing my own interests — the good news is that it’s also been the most rewarding!

But all it took was one scary but solid first step — admitting that you need God. 

Surrendering isn’t about being perfect…

It’s about being humble and trusting in God’s better plan. Remember, God won’t ask of you what He won’t help you with.

💖 So, let’s start small…

1. Write It Down: What are 3 things you need to surrender to God?
2. Read Your Bible: The Bible is your key to really knowing God and His promises. It’s a heartfelt letter from a loving Father, full of His faithfulness and love. Diving into His Word is the best way to build a strong, trusting relationship with Him. It’s also where you will renew your mind — replace your old limiting beliefs with life-giving truths.
3. Pray for Help: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you regularly — sometimes multiple times a day… Remember, taking up your cross, as Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, means walking His path with faith — not as a burden. With each prayer, you’ll be one step closer to understanding His will and strengthening your trust in His plans for you!

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Thank you for joining me on this journey. You are loved, precious, and wonderfully made.