Rise and Roar: Transformed to Triumph: Boldness to Surrender by Pastora Yolanda Hernandez

 

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers,

Have you ever felt like surrendering meant weakness? Like letting go was giving up. For many of us, especially those who have always had to be strong and show strength even though we felt all broken inside, surrender can feel like defeat. But in the Kingdom of God, the Bible shows us that surrender is not weakness—it’s the beginning of transformation.

Transformation is a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character. Transformation can really refer to any part of us. For example, the physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental change that we all battle with.

My favorite verse of the bible is Romans 12:2, which says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

There must be a change of mind to be transformed. Many today do not want to go through the process, not knowing that the end results of the hard work, suffering, and the giving of oneself are glorious in Christ. In other words, it is well worth it.

There’s a powerful truth we often overlook: it takes boldness to surrender. Not a timid resignation, but a courageous choice to let go of control and trust God with every piece of our story.

The Boldness Behind the Surrender

When Jesus knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42). That was not a moment of defeat—it was the greatest act of boldness in history. He chose surrender. He chose obedience. And because of that surrender, victory was born.

Likewise, our own transformation begins when we surrender:

• Our plans

• Our fears

• Our timelines

• Even our pain

It’s not always easy. In fact, it can be terrifying. But bold surrender is what allows God to work in ways we could never imagine.

From Brokenness to Breakthrough

Many of us carry wounds—failures, disappointments, or silent battles no one sees. We try to fix them ourselves, but healing begins when we say, “Lord, I give this to You.” That’s when transformation begins. That’s when your trials turn into testimonies.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we surrender, His power takes over. He does not want to leave us alone, but join us in the journey of letting go and letting God.

Triumph Isn’t Always Loud

Sometimes, triumph looks like peace in the middle of chaos.

Sometimes, it’s a whisper of hope after a long night of tears.

Sometimes, it’s simply having the strength to trust again.

When we surrender, we don’t lose—we align ourselves with the One who never loses.

Letting Go is exactly that, Rising Up

The enemy wants us to believe that letting go is giving up. But in Christ, letting go is rising—it’s standing boldly in faith and saying, “God, I trust You more than I trust myself.”

If you’re in a season where things feel out of control, maybe God is inviting you to bold surrender. He’s not asking you to give up—He’s inviting you to step into the transformation that leads to triumph.

Prayer:

Lord, give me the courage to surrender all that I am and all that I carry. I don’t want to fight battles You’ve already won. Help me to trust that in my surrender, you are working all things together for good. Transform me through my obedience, and let my story be a testimony of Your triumph. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be blessed,
Pastora Yolanda Hernandez
Iglesia de Dios Centro de Vida // Church of God Center of Life // Bridgeport, CT.
iddcentrodevida // @iddcentrodevida

Mark your calendars and meet me back here next Friday, July 11, 2025, for the next roar-worthy blog post in our Rise & Roar series. We’re stepping deeper, rising higher, and roaring louder — together!