Have you ever felt like you’re constantly running on a treadmill, striving for success, and battling through life’s challenges, yet never quite reaching the peace or fulfillment you desire? It’s as if you’re putting out fires daily, only to find new ones cropping up the following day. I’ve been there, and it’s exhausting. That’s when I discovered the concept of Resting in Victory.
That profound discovery changed everything. A shift in perspective might be the very thing you need to hear today. By the end of this article, I promise you’ll have a fresh outlook on navigating life’s challenges—not by striving harder but by surrendering more deeply.
The Relentless Struggle of Self-Reliance
For most of my life, I’ve prided myself on my work ethic, ability to push through obstacles, and relentless pursuit of success. Whether in business, military, ministry, relationships, or personal growth, I’ve often shouldered the burden alone, driven by a sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to meet the high standards I’ve set for myself.
But what happens when that relentless drive leaves you feeling drained, unfulfilled, and constantly on the brink of burnout? That’s precisely where I found myself—pushing harder every day, yet feeling like I was getting nowhere.
In my recent study of Tony Evans’ Winning Spiritual Battles, Ken Korkow, who founded The Ranch Ministries, gifted me this book. I encountered a powerful metaphor that stopped me. The story of a father and son turning back to stand on already-burned ground during a wildfire resonated deeply with me. It was a clear message: I’d been running headlong into the flames of life’s challenges, trying to outrun the fire without realizing the victory had already been secured.
The Power of Standing on Burned Ground
The burned ground in the story represents the victory that Christ has already won for us. It’s a safe place where the fire can’t reach because it’s already been consumed. In my relentless pursuit of success, I had forgotten that I didn’t need to fight these battles alone. I didn’t need to hustle endlessly or meet every expectation the world placed on me. I needed to stop, stand on the burned ground of Christ’s victory, and rest in the freedom He had given me.
This revelation was a wake-up call. It’s not about how much I can achieve on my own but how much I can trust in God’s strength and surrender to His plan.
The Shift from Striving to Surrender
With this newfound perspective, I began to tell myself a different story. Instead of the constant narrative of “I must do more, be more, achieve more,” I started to embrace the truth that my worth and success aren’t tied to my relentless efforts. Instead, they are rooted in God’s victory and the freedom He offers me.
This shift from striving to surrender brought a profound sense of hope. It reminded me that I don’t have to carry the world’s weight on my shoulders, that I don’t have to be everything to everyone, and that I don’t have to be everything to everyone. I need to trust in the power and authority that’s already been given to me through Christ and rest in the victory He has secured.
Practical Steps to Embrace Rest and Surrender
- Pause and Pray: I’ve committed to taking time daily to pause, pray, and invite God into every decision and challenge. This isn’t just about saying a quick prayer; it’s about genuinely surrendering my need to control every outcome and trusting God to lead.
- Reevaluate Commitments: I’ve started reviewing my current commitments, identifying areas where I’ve overextended myself, and setting boundaries to create more space for rest and reflection. It’s about cutting back on activities that drain me and focusing on what aligns with God’s will for my life.
- Rest in God’s Presence: Building regular Sabbath rest into my routine has become essential. It’s not just about taking a day off but about intentionally allowing myself to recharge spiritually and physically, knowing that rest is an act of trust in God’s provision.
- Seek Spiritual Guidance: I’ve reached out to wise, spiritually mature mentors who can help me navigate this season with clarity and purpose. Their guidance has been invaluable in helping me maintain a balanced approach to life.
- Focus on God’s Word: Digging deeper into Scripture has become my daily guide and source of strength. I no longer rely on understanding the world’s standards but let God’s Word shape my thoughts and actions.
The Positive Impact of Surrendering
This shift in mindset has had a profound impact on my life. No longer am I caught in a cycle of relentless striving. Instead, I’m experiencing a newfound sense of balance, peace, and fulfillment. By resting in the victory God has already won for me, I’m finding more balance in my life and a deeper connection with God. It’s a reminder that true freedom and fulfillment come not from my efforts but from trusting in His grace and guidance.
This lesson applies to every aspect of life but has been incredibly transformative in my spiritual journey. I’m cultivating a more profound sense of peace and purpose by shifting from a mindset of doing to being, from striving to surrender, and from control to trust.
Embrace the Victory Already Won
Suppose you’ve been feeling the world’s weight on your shoulders, trying to meet every expectation, and constantly striving to succeed. In that case, I challenge you to take a step back and consider this: The victory has already been won. You don’t have to do this alone.
Embrace the freedom from standing on the burned ground of Christ’s victory. Stop striving, start surrendering, and let God’s strength guide you. In this surrender, you’ll find the true fulfillment and peace you’ve been searching for.
Call to Action: Today, pause, reflect, and invite God into your battles. Surrender the need to control every outcome and rest in the victory He has already won for you.