Surrendering That Particular Outcome
Guest Post by Mary DeMuth
I surrender that particular outcome
Taken from The Freedom of Surrender by Mary DeMuth. Copyright (c) 2025 by Mary DeMuth. Used by permission of InterVarsity Press.
Artist’s Note: I painted a bull’s eye for this piece because it reveals our myopic view of what we want to happen. We pine for one outcome, forgetting the rest of the target is wide and allows for different “hits.” And sometimes life hits us outside the target, yet we find the unexpected to still be a place of goodness.
We can rest in knowing God perfectly understands the best outcomes for our lives. Paul teaches, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6). He best knows how to hold us, even when things don’t turn out the way we anticipated.
It’s not hard to fixate on one particular thing we would like to see happen. We may feel our lives would be better if only we got that specific job. Or we’d feel less anxious if a difficult relationship resolved. Or maybe we think we’d be truly fulfilled if that ministry opportunity opened up. With anxiety reigning, it’s no wonder we believe if that one conundrum was solved, our lives would sing. And yet, our minds naively hang our hopes on an outcome, and we forget that God is working in and through every circumstance, even when things don’t go the way we wanted or planned.
Our minds naively hang our hopes on an outcome, and we forget that God is working in and through every circumstance. — Mary Demuth
During this season of surrender, we’re working on letting go. But surrendering that thing you most want in the world is one of the most difficult acts of laying something down. Often when we solely place our hopes on an outcome, it reveals that idolatry is in play.
So, see this moment as an opportunity for God to search your heart. Ask yourself these questions to discern the deeper meaning of your longing:
Why do I need this thing/event/decision to happen?
What do I gain if this comes to pass?
What do I lose if this happens?
How does my relationship with God intersect this desire?
How can I be faithful if this dream dies?
What am I learning about myself and my prayer life through this longing?
Have I left room for a creative solution?
Will I be angry if this outcome doesn’t come to pass? Why or why not?
How will this current situation (that doesn’t meet my expectations) empower me to help others on a similar journey?
How would a mature Christ follower work through this desire?
It’s normal to have longings. It’s common to desire one thing to come to pass, particularly if it seems to be a linchpin of our happiness. Even if outcomes don’t turn out, our God is still worthy, faithful, and kind.
PRAYER: Jesus, I surrender that particular outcome to you. Show me if I’ve been pining after it, praying for it, or longing for it to happen so much that I’ve forgotten you. Forgive me if I have replaced you with a favorable circumstance, hoping that if it just comes true, I’ll finally be happy. Instead, I surrender the entire situation to you, and I choose to find joy no matter what outcome happens. Teach me contentment and trust as I wait. I lay the whole situation before you. I take my hands off. Amen.
about the author
Mary DeMuth
Mary has written over fifty books, including The Most Overwhelmed Women of the Bible, 90-Day Bible Reading Challenge, and The Freedom of Surrender.
Through her podcast Pray Every Day and her speaking events around the globe, Mary seeks to help people heal from past trauma and live re-storied lives as followers of Jesus.
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