When my daughter was younger she went through a stage where everything was ‘Mine.’ No one could tell her any differently. She’d go to the store, pick up a toy and proudly say, “Mine.” She’d go to a friend’s house, grab one of their toys and aggressively shout, “Mine.” Once while clutching as many toys that she could carry in her small arms, she ran throughout the house shouting “Mine, mine, mine, mine, mine!”

My friend, you and I must admit that there are areas of our lives that we have a difficult time surrendering to GOD because they’re “Mine.” Perhaps we gladly hand over the easy circumstances but when it comes to the more difficult ones, you know the ones that require great faith and trust, we are more comfortable ‘handling’ those ourselves. When we refuse to give GOD control and sovereignty over every area of our lives we proclaim ourselves king and through our pride we wear the crown of ownership. So in essence saying that we are wiser than GOD. And this is dangerous because we are not all knowing and all powerful but our GOD is (Isaiah 46:9, Psalm 147:5, 1 John 3:20). He is faithful, trustworthy, and loves us with an everlasting love (Psalm 33:4, 86:15, Romans 8:31-39). And He desires our total surrender (Matthew 16:24-27).

Total surrender is casting your crown of ownership at the feet of Jesus; relinquishing your kingship and giving complete control over to GOD. Your crown represents your control, your work, your accomplishments, and wearing it demonstrates pride because you can do absolutely nothing apart from Him (John 15:5, Deuteronomy 8:18).

GOD has indeed blessed us to be stewards over the very things He’s provided for us but it was never His intention that we watch over them without His revelation, guidance or wisdom (Jeremiah 33:3, Proverbs 3:5-6). Nor were we ever suppose to clutch on to these things so tightly that we fret and refuse to give them over to GOD (Exodus 20:3). You see, He created everything He’s entrusted to you. And as it’s Creator He knows best both how it operates and the purpose for its very creation (John 1:3). So, if you become frantic at the thought of losing any ‘thing’ that thing has control over you. And it is time to put it in it’s rightful position, which is under the submission, authority and kingship of Christ Jesus.

We are to go before GOD regularly and ask that He remove ungodly attachments that we may have with people, circumstances and things. These unhealthy attachments are dangerous distractions and can hinder our walk with Him (Matthew 6:19-20). Cast your crown, my friend. Both you and GOD can’t be king over it. Hand over your crown to the One who loves you beyond that which your brain can comprehend. Release control and ownership of it all. He will smile and rejoice over you (Zephaniah 3:17). He will draw close to you (James 4:8). And it will lead you into a more intimate relationship with Him. After all, isn’t this what your heart desires?

My friend, what area or areas of your life do you need to cast your crown of? Is it a relationship, money, circumstance, house or car? Perhaps it’s a child, marriage or ministry? Whatever it is it’s time to surrender it all over to GOD. He wants it. He can’t move mightily on your behalf unless you give Him His rightful position of it. Your insistence to tell Him ‘mine’ hinders His divine movement, revelation, and blessings. When your peace is disturbed and you’re worried about how things will turn out, cast your crown. When fear of releasing 10% of your income invades your heart and mind, cast your crown. The GOD Who keeps the universe in perfect order is able to handle every single area of your life with just as much precision and care. So, you can confidently and fearlessly cast your crown at His feet.

It’s very hard. Trust me. I know. But the Bible says that GOD opposes the proud but He graciously promotes the humble (James 4:6, 10). He says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) Go before GOD, my friend and talk to Him about the areas you’re having a difficult time releasing to Him. He will bend His ear and listen (Psalm 17:6, 116:12). He will give you His peace. And it’s a peace that the world can’t give and the world can’t take away (John 14:27, Isaiah 26:12). When you cast your crown in humility here on earth you’ll be earning eternal crowns in Heaven. And oh, my friend these crowns are well worth the sacrifice, obedience and wait! I promise.

As you cast your crown you are telling GOD that everything you have is His and He is LORD over it… All. My friend, it’s time to stop saying, “Mine, mine, mine.” And surrender it to GOD saying, “Father, in total surrender I give it all over to You. Please take it and use it for Your glory. It’s all… Yours, Yours, Yours!”

I truly hope this message blesses you. I see you bowing humbly before GOD, grabbing hold of your crown and laying it at His feet. And my heart overflows because I know that such faith could only produce extraordinary rewards, both here on earth and in Heaven. I’m so very, very excited for you!