Many people equate surrender with giving up. This definition seems logical enough, but when it comes to recovery, giving up usually means giving in to the desires that control us.
Think about it this way: You’ve probably seen a car chase on TV in which someone runs from the police. Of course, the chase ends when the car is forced to stop, but often the driver tries to flee again on foot. Inevitably, the moment comes when the criminal sees himself surrounded, knows he is caught, puts his hands up in the air, and gives up. In his heart, though, he is still running. He hasn’t truly surrendered.
Surrender is not about giving up what you’ve been doing. It’s about giving yourself – your plans, your will, your behaviors, your needs – to the one who gave His life for you.
– Troy Haas, First Steps