Step Three

Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

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The third step is called the Surrender Step. Letting go and letting God.

People describe the progression of the first three Steps as: “I can’t” [Step One], “God can” [Step Two], and “I think I’ll let him” [Step Three]. If that’s not the gospel in miniature, I don’t know what is.”

Ian Cron, “The Fix”

Themes

• Letting Go of Control; Responsible For vs Responsible To
• Trust & Surrender
• Decision & Action
• Hope & Relief

Verses for Meditation

• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5–6
• “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10
• “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
• “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
• “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
• “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Step Three Prayer for Parents

God,

Today, I release my need to control my children’s lives.
I acknowledge that I am not their Savior, nor their solution.
I trust that You are present in their journey—even when I cannot see it.

Help me to love them freely, not fearfully.
Help me to guide them with wisdom, not force.
Remind me that they are Your children before they were mine.

When I feel fear rising, calm me.
When I feel guilt weighing me down, lift me.
When I feel the urge to fix or rescue, pause me.

I turn my will and their lives over to You.
Teach me to walk in faith, not fear.

One day at a time, one choice at a time—
I choose surrender, and I choose peace.

Amen.