Fasting Devotion 2026: Day 6

Fasting Devotional – Day Six

Friday, January 16, 2026

Title:  Surrender at Sinai

Text: Exodus 19-20

Written by: Teresa Gatlin 

Thoughts:

Surrender is often misunderstood as weakness. When the words, “I surrender” are spoken, we often think of surrendering to an enemy or opponent, giving oneself up to the power of another. In most cases this would be a negative thing, but holy surrender is not giving ourselves to an enemy, it is finding freedom in letting go and submitting to a God who loves us.

We see surrender at Mount Sinai. In Exodus 19 God reminds the Israelites that He has already rescued them from Egypt, then invites them into a covenant relationship with Him: “You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession… and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:4–6). Before calling them to obedience, God calls them to remember His faithfulness. Their surrender was not about fear, control, or earning God’s love. It was about obedience rooted in trust. Obedience shows that we love and trust God enough to surrender our lives to His plan and purpose.

Challenge:

God’s commands in Exodus 20 show what that surrendered obedience looks like in everyday life. Obedience becomes the natural response of a people who know they belong to Him. For me, surrender means trusting God enough to obey, even when it’s uncomfortable and stretches me. It’s following Him when the way forward is unclear. It’s letting go of control, submitting my will to His, trusting that his way is always better and His plans are good. God revealed His holiness and gave His commands at Sinai. What area of your life needs to be brought under His guidance so your obedience reflects trust rather than fear?

Prayer: Lord, have Your way in me. Teach me to trust and obey You, guiding me into true freedom and deeper relationship with you.  I surrender.

Worship: I Surrender by Hillsong Worship

Obedience shows that we love and trust God enough to surrender our lives to His plan and purpose.