New Season, New Surrender: Romans 12 and the Future Ahead

“And so dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice–the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1,2 NLT 

"This fall devotional explores the difference between your to-do list and your to-be list — and why Romans 12:1-2 is the best place to start any new season.

Sweater Weather 

Seasons are changing here in New England, and autumn is upon us with its golden light and cool mornings reminding me that summer is fading and sweater weather is dawning.  

I’ve always loved the fall, maybe because I grew up on an Ocean Spray cranberry farm and the anticipation of the cranberry harvest was momentous in our home; or maybe because I love the coziness of chunky knits and a new school year, one chock-full of possibilities.  

The clean slate of a new season finds me sitting down with my notebook and a warm cup of coffee, scribbling away at my to-do list, and my idealistic would-love-to-do list full of family gatherings, decorating ideas, grandchildren’s tea parties and continued traditions, hospitality, holidays, ministry plans, and other good things. I plan, knowing full well that I may only have half the required energy at my age for such a list (ha, ha).  

To-Do vs To-Be 

Whether my plans pan out the way I’d penciled in or not, I know that my to-do list is not as important as my “to be” list. Who will I be through the ups and downs of life? What will my character be when plans change or disappointment looms? I can proactively choose who I will be during those hard times. 

My to-be list matters because God calls me to be holy, and when God gives me a command, he also gives me the ability to obey it. 

Maybe you’re planning for a new season too. 

Maybe you’re excited for the start of something new.  

Maybe you’re full of sorrow, finding your footing after loss.  

Maybe you’re still waiting, and nothing seems to change.  

Maybe you’re just starting your parenting journey, full of ideals for raising kids and building a family culture.   

The best starting place for all our plans is the place of full surrender found in Romans 12:1,2.  

Romans 12: 1, 2: “And so dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice–the kind he will find acceptable. 

These verses plead with us to do something for a certain reason. Give your body to God and let it be a living and holy sacrifice BECAUSE of the gospel. Let those mercies (explained in depth in the first 11 chapters of Romans) motivate you to holy Christian living.  

"This fall devotional explores the difference between your to-do list and your to-be list — and why Romans 12:1-2 is the best place to start any new season.

God’s Mercies 

As we remember the gospel and meditate on His mercies, we’ll see 

  • The depths of our sin, but how God acted in love towards sinners. (Rom. 1-4) 
  • How through Jesus’ blood we are made right with God and are sanctified by His Spirit working in us. (Rom 5) 
  • How we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection and are dead to sin. Because we fail, we’re reminded three times that we have been freed from sin, and we no longer live in bondage. Because the chains of sin and guilt have been broken by Jesus Christ, there is now no longer any condemnation for those of us who are in Him. We are now free to live for Him and to do His will. All these good things are the mercies he is talking about. (Rom 6-8) 

This season, as you make plans for all wonderful things of life, remember the gospel and the mercies of God. Plan to present yourself daily as a living sacrifice, ready to do right. Plan to be transformed by renewing your mind. Plan to resist being conformed or pressed into the world’s mold. Plan to remember the mercies of God, new to us every morning, in every season. 

In His Word:  

Read Romans 6-8. Which verse stands out to you today? How are you free to live for Christ this week? 

In Your Life: 

Write down a list of your favorite fall-specific mercies from God. 

We Recommend:  

Our article on tackling back-to-school anxiety with God’s promises. Plus, spice up your fall with autumn-spiced pumpkin bread and 25 fall date ideas.  

Author Bio:

Sarah Beals is a wife, mother of six, and grandmother of 10.  She lives in beautiful New England and writes about Christian living, home education, hospitality, and creative pursuits at Joyfilleddays.com and on Instagram.