Finding Strength in Surrender: A Deeper Look at 'Let Go and Let God'
We're actually winning by giving up, which is so backwards from what the world says.
Surrender can be a tough pill to swallow, especially when you're navigating the choppy waters of recovery. In this episode of 'Hope in Recovery', Rodney Holmstrom and Andy Petry break down what it truly means to 'let go and let God'. This phrase, often tossed around in recovery circles, can seem both empowering and intimidating.
Holmstrom and Petry take the time to unpack its deeper meaning, showing how surrendering isn't about giving up but about finding strength in a higher power. Holmstrom kicks things off by addressing a common hurdle: acknowledging our own limitations. 'I can't let go of something until I realize it's not working', he says, highlighting that surrender begins with recognizing our need for help.
Petry chimes in, describing surrender as a part of God's grace, offering us a chance to lean on divine strength rather than our own. The duo also touches on the liberating aspect of surrendering. For many, it's a way to shed the heavy cloak of shame and guilt, making room for the grace that God offers.
Petry emphasizes that God's voice is never one of shame but of peace and rest, referencing Jesus's comforting words in Matthew 11:28-30: 'Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest'. Throughout the episode, Holmstrom and Petry use relatable metaphors to illustrate their points. One standout is the image of an older and younger ox pulling a plow together.
The experienced ox guides the younger one, much like how God guides us through our recovery journey. Petry notes, 'we're trying to white knuckle our way through our own power to manage that...we can't chase away darkness and sin by focusing on sin and darkness'. As they wrap up, Holmstrom and Petry offer words of encouragement for those grappling with the concept of surrender. They remind listeners that it's a journey requiring patience and practice.
Petry concludes with a powerful thought: 'Learning to say God, whatever you want to do in my life, that's what I want' can be a transformative act of surrender. Whether you're deep into your recovery journey or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights into how letting go and letting God can lead to profound healing and hope.