Podcast Summary: "How To Surrender To God" featuring Jabin Chavez
Podcast: Elevation with Steven Furtick
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Episode: How To Surrender To God (Jabin Chavez)
Release Date: March 2, 2025
Introduction
In this powerful episode of Elevation with Steven Furtick, Jabin Chavez delves deep into the theme of surrendering to God, drawing inspiration from the biblical narrative of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32. Chavez intertwines theological insights with personal anecdotes, offering listeners a relatable and transformative message on faith, struggle, and divine blessing.
Setting the Stage: Jacob's Struggle
Chavez begins by recounting the story of Jacob from Genesis 32, highlighting Jacob's complex character and tumultuous past. He emphasizes Jacob's constant running—from his brother Esau, from his father-in-law Laban, and fundamentally, from himself and God.
- Key Scripture Reference: Genesis 32:24-30
- Notable Quote: "Our life is like a cross, vertical and horizontal. We have to fight and deal with the God issue in life, but we also have to deal with the humanity issue of life." (05:30)
The Nature of Surrender
Chavez outlines the three essential steps to surrendering to God:
- Stop Running: Acknowledge that constant busyness and avoidance prevent genuine growth and fruitfulness.
- Admit Your Issues: Embrace honesty about personal struggles and shortcomings without fear of judgment.
- Hold On to God: Commit steadfastly to God's presence and guidance, especially during challenging times.
1. Stop Running
Chavez illustrates how Jacob's perpetual movement symbolized his attempt to escape his past and responsibilities. He draws parallels to modern life's distractions, urging listeners to cease their flight from God and self.
- Notable Quote: "Friend, I've seen this. People just love to be moving... but wherever we go, there we are." (12:15)
2. Admit Your Issues
By confronting unresolved personal issues, individuals can invite God into their brokenness. Chavez emphasizes that genuine surrender requires transparency and vulnerability before God.
- Notable Quote: "Invitation God into your issues, inviting God into your brokenness. It's inviting God into your pain and saying, God, I'm inviting you into this space." (27:50)
3. Hold On to God
Sustained commitment to God transforms lives. Chavez encourages perseverance in faith, likening the journey to a wrestling match where persistence leads to divine blessing and transformation.
- Notable Quote: "You can't run and wrestle. You're gonna have to make a decision. And by the way, the life you want, you will not get by running." (40:20)
Personal Anecdote: The Ice Cream Story
To illustrate the concept of surrender and perseverance, Chavez shares a humorous yet insightful personal story about attempting to quit the ministry. Faced with temptation, he humorously describes consuming a half-gallon of ice cream but ultimately reaffirms his commitment to ministry and God.
- Notable Quote: "I walked up the stairs and I ate a half gallon of amen. You don't get like this without discipline." (35:10)
This story serves to humanize Chavez, showing that even leaders face struggles and moments of doubt. His experience underscores the importance of holding on to God despite setbacks.
Transformation Through Surrender
Chavez returns to Jacob's story, emphasizing the transformation that occurs when one surrenders to God. After wrestling with God, Jacob receives a new name—Israel—which signifies a break from his past and the beginning of a renewed relationship with God.
- Notable Quote: "You are no longer Jacob. You are Israel. You can let go of the names and take on his name." (45:00)
He relates this to the listener's journey, encouraging them to embrace their new identity in Christ, free from past mistakes and empowered by God's blessings.
The Power of a New Identity
Chavez highlights the significance of receiving a new name and identity from God. This transformation is not just symbolic but represents a profound change in one's walk, purpose, and relationship with the divine.
- Notable Quote: "He's limping. And then here's the next thing he's doing... blessing his son and his grandsons." (47:30)
He connects this to the idea that our struggles and surrendered selves lead to a legacy of blessing for future generations, emphasizing the ripple effect of personal transformation.
Conclusion: Embracing the Wrestling Match
Chavez concludes by reiterating that true surrender involves facing one's struggles head-on in partnership with God. He encourages listeners to engage in their own "wrestling matches" with faith, assuring them that persistence will lead to divine transformation and blessings.
- Final Notable Quote: "The man who was born taking blessing dies giving blessing. You can live a radically different life than what was predicted... you can step into a new thing that God has for you." (49:20)
Chavez calls listeners to commit fully to their faith journeys, promising that wrestling with God leads to profound personal and spiritual growth.
Key Takeaways
-
Surrender is a Process: It involves stopping avoidance behaviors, acknowledging personal issues, and maintaining a steadfast relationship with God.
-
Transformation is Possible: Just as Jacob transformed into Israel, individuals can shed past identities and embrace new, blessed lives through surrender.
-
Perseverance in Faith: Engaging with struggles and remaining committed to God despite challenges leads to deeper faith and lasting blessings.
Final Thoughts
Jabin Chavez's sermon on surrendering to God offers a relatable and actionable blueprint for listeners seeking deeper faith and personal transformation. By intertwining biblical narratives with personal stories, Chavez effectively communicates the necessity and power of surrender in the journey toward spiritual fulfillment.
Note: For those interested in further exploring themes of surrender and transformation, visit Elevation Church's website or download the Elevation App. To support this ministry and help continue reaching people globally, click here to give.