In a world that constantly tells us to “take control,” “build our brand,” and “hustle harder,” the concept of surrender feels almost counter-cultural. It sounds like losing. But in her transformative book, “I Surrender All,” acclaimed author and speaker Priscilla Shirer flips the script. She argues that surrendering to God isn’t about defeat; it’s about stepping into the most powerful, liberated version of your life.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying a weight you weren’t meant to bear, or if your spiritual life feels like a checklist rather than a relationship, this book is a clarion call. Shirer doesn’t just ask us to give God a piece of our lives; she challenges us to give Him the whole puzzle.
The Core Message: What is Priscilla Shirer Saying?
Before diving into the chapters, it’s essential to understand the “Why.” The central thesis of I Surrender All is that partial obedience is still a form of disobedience.
Shirer posits that many Christians live in a “gray zone”—trusting God with their eternity but not their Monday mornings; trusting Him with their soul, but not their bank account or their reputation. The author’s message is simple yet searing: Jesus doesn’t want to be a resident in your life; He wants to be the President. True peace and divine purpose are only found at the end of our own self-sufficiency.
Chapter 1: First: All or Nothing
The journey begins with a line in the sand. In this opening section, Shirer establishes that the Christian walk is not a buffet where we pick and choose which commands to follow.
The Myth of the “Casual Christian”
Shirer dismantles the idea that we can follow Christ casually. She uses the analogy of a commitment—like a marriage or a professional contract—where “sort of” being in doesn’t count. Surrender starts with a binary choice: Is He Lord of all, or not Lord at all?
The Cost of the Middle Ground
Living in the middle ground is exhausting. It requires us to constantly negotiate between our desires and God’s will. By choosing “All,” we actually simplify our lives. The decision is made once, which dictates every subsequent choice.
Chapter 2: Everything You Have: Surrendering All
This chapter hits home because it deals with our possessions and resources. We often view our bank accounts, homes, and gadgets as “mine.” Shirer shifts the perspective from ownership to stewardship.
The Closed Hand vs. The Open Hand
When we grip our “stuff” tightly, we leave no room for God to put something new in our hands. Surrendering everything you have means acknowledging that you are a temporary manager of God’s assets.
- Finances: Is your budget a reflection of your priorities or God’s?
- Time: Do you give God the leftovers of your day, or the first fruits?
Chapter 3: Everything You Need: Surrendering All
We all have needs—security, affirmation, comfort, and provision. In this chapter, Shirer explores how we often look to the world to meet these needs instead of looking to the Creator.
Breaking the Idol of Self-Sufficiency
Surrendering everything you need involves identifying your “functional saviors.” What do you turn to when you’re stressed? Food? Social media? Shopping? Shirer encourages readers to bring their voids to God first. When we surrender our needs, we stop being “needy” in our relationships because we are already full in Christ.
Chapter 4: Everything You Are: Surrendering All
This is perhaps the most personal chapter. It deals with identity. We often define ourselves by our roles (mother, CEO, student) or our past mistakes.
Identity Theft
Shirer argues that when we don’t surrender “who we are,” we allow the world to define us. Surrendering your identity means letting go of your “labels” and adopting the label God has given you: Chosen, Redeemed, and Beloved. It’s about letting your ego die so that Christ can live through your unique personality.
Chapter 5: Everything You’re Becoming: Surrendering All
We all have a vision for our future—a five-year plan, a dream career, a specific lifestyle. Shirer challenges us to put these dreams on the altar.
The Danger of the “Self-Made” Future
When we are obsessed with “becoming” something of our own making, we often miss the “becoming” God has planned. This chapter isn’t about losing your ambition; it’s about realigning it. Surrendering your future means trusting that His “Plan A” is better than your “Plan A+.”
Chapter 6: Everything You Want: Surrendering All
Desire is a powerful motivator. In this chapter, Shirer distinguishes between “holy desires” and “distracting cravings.”
The Heart Check
Our wants often drive our prayers. We treat God like a vending machine. Shirer invites us to surrender our “want list.” She explains that when we truly surrender our desires, God often changes the desires themselves. As the Psalm says, when we delight in Him, He gives us the desires of our heart—not because He’s a genie, but because our hearts begin to want what He wants.
Chapter 7: Everything You Face: Surrendering All
Life is full of battles: health crises, broken relationships, and financial storms. Usually, our first instinct is to fight in our own strength.
Surrendering the Battle
Shirer draws on her deep knowledge of spiritual warfare (a theme she explored in The Armor of God) to explain that some battles are won only through surrender. Surrendering “everything you face” means:
- Admitting you are overwhelmed.
- Inviting God into the conflict.
- Trusting His timing for the resolution.
It is the act of saying, “Lord, this problem is too big for me, but it is tiny for You.”
Chapter 8: Everywhere You Go: Surrendering All
This chapter focuses on influence and presence. Whether it’s your workplace, your neighborhood, or your digital footprint, everywhere you go is a mission field.
The Sent Life
Surrendering your “where” means being willing to go where He leads and stay where He plants you. It’s about being “all in” exactly where your feet are currently planted. Shirer emphasizes that we don’t need a pulpit to have a ministry; we just need a surrendered heart in our everyday environments.
Chapter 9: Everything for Jesus: Surrendering All
The final chapter serves as the “Grand Amen” of the book. It ties all the previous threads together into one central focus: The Person of Jesus Christ.
It’s Not a Program, It’s a Person
Shirer concludes that surrender isn’t a self-help strategy to get a better life. It is an act of love for a Savior who surrendered everything for us first. When we see the sacrifice of the Cross clearly, surrender stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like the only logical response to such a great love.
Why You Should Read This Book
Priscilla Shirer’s writing style is a unique blend of sisterly encouragement and prophetic boldness. She doesn’t mince words, but she also doesn’t leave you feeling condemned. Instead, she leaves you feeling capable—not in yourself, but in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways for Your Life
- Total Abandonment: Moving from “believing in God” to “belonging to God.”
- Internal Peace: Realizing that if God owns it, God is responsible for it.
- Purpose: Finding that your greatest potential is unlocked when you stop trying to unlock it yourself.
Summary Table: The Path of Surrender
Chapter Area | What You Let Go Of | What You Gain |
Possessions | The burden of ownership | Divine provision and freedom |
Identity | Labels and ego | Your true identity in Christ |
Future | Anxiety and control | A purposeful, God-led destiny |
Battles | Exhaustion and defeat | God’s strength and victory |
Desires | Fleeting cravings | Deep, lasting satisfaction |
Final Thoughts: The Paradox of the Empty Hand
In I Surrender All, Priscilla Shirer reminds us of a beautiful spiritual paradox: To truly find your life, you must lose it. The book serves as a roadmap for anyone who is tired of the “lukewarm” Christian life. It’s for the person who wants to see God move in their life with power but realizes they’ve been standing in the way. By the time you reach the final page, the word “surrender” won’t sound like a white flag of defeat; it will sound like a victory lap.
“The degree to which you are surrendered to God determines the degree to which God can use your life for His glory.” — Priscilla Shirer
If you are ready to stop holding back and start leaning in, this book is your next essential read.
FAQs
Q1: Is “I Surrender All” suitable for men, or is it just for women?
A: While Priscilla Shirer often targets a female demographic in her studies, the message of I Surrender All is universal. The principles of spiritual surrender apply to every believer regardless of gender. Men will find the challenge to leadership and stewardship particularly impactful.
Q2: How long does it take to read this book?
A: Depending on your reading speed, the book can be read in a few sittings. However, it is designed to be digested slowly. Most readers benefit from treating it as a devotional, reading one chapter over the course of a week to allow time for reflection and prayer.
Q3: Does this book come with a study guide?
A: Yes, Priscilla Shirer typically releases accompanying study guides or video sessions for her books. These resources are excellent for deepening the experience and are highly recommended for group settings.
Q4: What is the main difference between this book and other Christian living books?
A: The specificity of the chapters sets it apart. Rather than speaking about surrender in general terms, Shirer breaks it down into tangible categories (what you have, what you want, where you go), making it easier for the reader to identify specific areas of resistance in their own life.
Q5: Can I read this book if I am not a Christian?
A: While you can read it, the book assumes a foundational belief in Jesus Christ. The concept of surrendering to God presupposes a relationship with Him. Non-believers might find the concepts interesting, but the spiritual application is designed for those who already identify as followers of Christ.