True victory comes only with complete surrender!  The more you study the Word of God, the more apparent oxymorons you will find.  Consider two examples—the father of God’s chosen people and the Son of God Himself.  Both surrendered completely to what God wanted to accomplish in their lives.  

Abraham’s surrender gave birth to a nation of people with whom the LORD made an everlasting covenant.

“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place…not knowing where he was going.”  (Hebrews 11: 8 NASB) 

Jesus’ surrender resulted in His death so that we might have life—abundant and eternal.

“No one has taken it (His life) away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative.”    (John 10: 18 NASB)

“…nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.”  (Luke 22 : 42b HCSB)

What does surrender look like for you and me?  The Apostle Paul laid it out quite clearly. 

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God…”  (Romans 12: 1 ESV) 

Happy New Year of complete surrender to all those areas of your life you cling to thinking you can resolve to change them yourself (again)!