Here is a startling illustration of surrender.

Abraham had his long-awaited gift of a son, born of promise and miracle, his one hope for the fulfillment of his fatherhood – descendants as countless as the stars! We can’t imagine his joy in Isaac.

And then! God says take him and slay him as a sacrifice to Me.

Abraham rises early and prepares, telling no one who could intervene or stop him. He doesn’t hesitate or ask for confirmation. He knows that voice, He loves that Speaker. So he goes without hesitation. At the last moment as the knife is in the air, he is stopped and God supplies His own sacrifice.

This was an obedience of heart, a surrender of love. Only supreme love for God could have been this father’s willingness.

When obedience is a matter of loving God above self, no matter the cost, that is surrender.