When two wolves battle for the higher, or alpha, position in the pack, they fight until the weaker one submits by rolling over on it's back with it's feet in the air to show it's surrender. Dogs do the same. When I was young we watched western movies where the sheriff would pull his pistol on the outlaw and yell, "Stick 'em up." If he was smart the outlaw would immediately throw down his gun, raise both hands in the air and shout, "I give up! Don't shoot." His actions signified his surrender to the higher authority. When our grandsons pretend they are police officers they will yell, "Freeze!!" when they come face to face with the bad guy.  We sometimes witness the same scenario in real life.
     The Bible teaches us to submit to authority and the laws of the land because it is God ordained for our good. 1 Peter 2:13 -15 says, Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
     Most of all it teaches us to submit to our Alpha Father for our good, for if we fail to do so there are consequences. If we continue to break God's laws he may have to arrest us--get our attention--through unpleasant circumstances and call on us to surrender. Sometimes those circumstances become so severe they will literally freeze us. One outward sign of surrender is to raise our hands toward heaven and cry out to God, "Father, I give my all to you." God has great plans for each of us, but they all hinge on our surrender and submission to Him.
     Lord Jesus, You surrendered in the garden when you were facing the cross.  Matthew 26:39 says, He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible , let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."  So the least I can do is surrender to you and allow you to order my life as you wish. To do so is the only way to defeat Satan and keep the joy in my Christian walk. Yes, Lord, I give up!!
     James 4:7: Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

--Rebecca Somoskey