François Fénelon once wrote that surrender isn’t about heroic acts we can brag about—it’s a quiet acceptance of what God allows, and a willingness to follow His will even when we’d rather rewrite the story. That kind of surrender brings peace.

But when decisions come—big or small—we often try to take control and ask God to bless our plans. Like Abraham and Sarah, we can grow restless and rush ahead, creating more pain than peace. Scripture reminds us that true wisdom begins by looking outward to God, not inward to ourselves. When we seek His will and trust His direction, He promises to show us the path to take (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Even Jesus modeled this kind of surrender. In the garden, He prayed, “Not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). Tonight, we’re invited to follow His example—to welcome God’s direction, trust His timing, and rest in His plan with a peace that surpasses understanding.

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” — Proverbs 3:6 (NLT)

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Lord,
You know how often I try to force events to go my way. Instead of waiting on You or seeking Your will, I rush forward and miss the path You had lovingly made. From now on, help me to be quick to welcome Your direction instead of trusting in my knowledge or feelings. God, You know the best steps forward. I don’t want to get ahead of Your timing. Grant me patience as I wait, and diligence to search Your Word to find encouragement and guidance. And help me to rest in Your plan, accepting the path You set before me. May I do Your will, and not my own.
In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. A picture of true rest:
   Think of a sleeping baby or a curled-up puppy—safe, unafraid, fully at peace. What does their posture teach you about what it means to rest? Where might God be inviting you to rest tonight instead of striving?

2. A verse that has guided you:
   What Scripture has God used to direct your life before? Write it down and consider memorizing it this week so it becomes a steady anchor when you’re unsure of what to do next.

3. A warning from someone else’s shortcut:
   Think of Abraham and Sarah rushing ahead of God’s timing (Genesis 16). What hardships followed? In what ways might your current situation look different if you sought God’s will first instead of moving forward on impulse?