The skies must’ve been filled with thunderous clouds as a result of the bombing, shelling and what seemed like eternal hell. A small ray of sunshine crept through the carnage and gave the world hope – for a new tomorrow, for the end of years of war, for peace in Europe. It would be another three months before Japan followed suit and surrender as Germany did on May 8, 1945. Almost four years of war was at last coming to an end. Ravaged landscapes, horrific acts of terror and inhumanity, tears, blood and sweat would finally be released from the tyrannical reign of the Nazi regime. Prayers were answered. Hope was renewed. Life would go on and the restructuring of a smitten landscape would eventually proceed. Only a few days before, Adolf Hitler committed suicide, wiithout his maniacal control leading the German army, a complete surrender became necessary.

I was not quite four years old when this happened. I knew very little about war. A child living in the safety of America, but not realizing what was going on in the world around me. Surrender wasn’t yet a part of my vocabulary. I was in fact an only child at the time, and my parents were having difficulty bending my strong will into surrender. Surrender was another word I didn’t understand at that point. It took years of growing up to finally realize the meaning of the word. Surrender is defined as giving up – turning over unwillingly – letting go or relinquishing – submitting – to quit. Most of the time, this process is against our own will. So, what does the Bible say about surrender?

“Be still and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

Surrender is not an easy act to accomplish. Especially when our wills are so self-reliant. Giving in to God is a surrender of sorts, but it doesn’t hurt to do so. We will be lifted up when we turn things over to Him in honor, thanksgiving and prayer. His promises never fail. He will never give up on us. His love endures forever. He chose us before we even knew Him. His power and strength are what we need. When we surrender to Him, we are assured of perfection. Especially when we join the angels in heaven to praise Him forever and ever. Let every knee bow to the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and provider of all things. Surrender!