Following Christ will cost you everything — and it will be worth it.
There’s no soft landing into Priscilla Shirer’s newest book, I Surrender All: A Call to Unreserved Commitment.
There’s only a dare — whispered across every page, crashing like a wave against the shallow, comfortable versions of Christianity so many of us have unknowingly built.
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck — longing for a deeper faith, tired of playing it safe with God — then this isn’t just a book.
It’s a holy gut punch.
A Personal Word
I first came across Priscilla Shirer after watching War Room. Her depth, authenticity, and clear love for Christ were undeniable.
Since then, I’ve followed her work quietly, but expectantly — knowing that when Shirer writes, she doesn’t play games. She speaks straight to the soul.
With I Surrender All, she’s done it again — but this time, she’s stripped away even the polite spiritual pleasantries.
This book is a call to the edge: a line drawn in the sand where you either step forward in total surrender or admit you’re still clinging to yourself.
The Core Message: Salvation is Free. Discipleship Will Cost You Everything.
At the heart of I Surrender All is a truth that every generation needs to hear afresh:
Grace is free — but real discipleship demands everything.
Shirer is unapologetic.
She doesn’t water it down, doesn’t soften the blow.
She confronts the reader with a simple but terrifying question:
Are you willing to surrender everything — every dream, every comfort, every plan — if Jesus asks?
The modern church often whispers about blessing, favor, and destiny.
Priscilla Shirer dares to shout about surrender, sacrifice, and a cross-shaped life.
What’s Inside: A Chapter-by-Chapter Breakdown
The book is structured around several key areas of life where surrender must happen:
- All or Nothing — Faith is not a part-time hobby. It’s all in, or not at all.
- Everything You Have — Our possessions, money, security nets — nothing is truly ours.
- Everything You Need — True reliance on God starts when we stop hoarding our own backup plans.
- Everything You Are — Our identities are not self-made; they are surrendered, blood-bought gifts.
- Everything You’re Becoming — Our future, dreams, and ambitions must bow to Christ’s lordship.
- Everything You Want — Even our desires must be reshaped in the hands of God.
- Everything You Face — Trials, fears, heartaches — no battle is fought alone when surrendered.
- Everything for Jesus — Total commitment is the only proper response to the One who gave everything for us.
Each chapter isn’t merely informational — it’s confrontational.
Expect to wrestle. Expect to repent. Expect to be undone.
A Powerful Metaphor: Which Rooms Are You Locking?
One of the most piercing illustrations Shirer uses is the image of our heart like a house.
Many Christians, she says, are willing to give Jesus a room — maybe even the master suite — but they keep other doors locked tight.
“You can have my Sundays, Lord… but don’t touch my career.”
“You can have my tithes… but don’t ask for my relationships.”
This metaphor hits hard because it’s true.
And it left me asking:
What rooms am I still guarding with a key tucked away in my back pocket?
Strengths of the Book
✅ Urgency Without Guilt: Shirer doesn’t manipulate or guilt-trip. She simply lifts the cross high — and lets it call to you.
✅ Clear, Accessible Style: This isn’t academic theology. It’s direct, plainspoken truth that anyone can grasp and apply.
✅ Relentless Christ-Centeredness: Every chapter leads you back to Jesus Himself — not simply to better morals or a more “spiritual” lifestyle.
What Could Have Been Stronger
As much as I loved the call to action, I Surrender All sometimes moves so fast that it skips past opportunities to dive deeper.
For example, in places where Shirer could have lingered over biblical examples (like Abraham’s costly obedience, or Peter’s denial and restoration), she sometimes races ahead.
A few more real-life stories, more unpolished testimonies of surrender, could have made the book even richer.
Also, seasoned readers who have already wrestled with discipleship themes might find parts a bit surface-level.
This book is strongest for those who need a first, urgent shove off the diving board — less for those already swimming in the deep.
Who Should Read This Book
- Christians who feel stuck in their faith and hunger for more.
- Anyone who knows they’ve been living with one foot in the world and one foot with Christ.
- Women’s Bible study groups looking for a no-fluff, no-excuses call to authentic faith.
- Young adults trying to discern their calling — and needing a reality check about the cost.
If you’ve ever whispered, “Lord, I want to be closer to You, but I’m scared,”
this book is for you.
Final Verdict: Read It — But Only If You’re Willing to Be Changed
Don’t pick up I Surrender All if you want a cozy, affirming spiritual pat on the back.
Pick it up if you’re ready to feel a holy unease — the stirring ache that comes when you realize you’re still holding parts of yourself back from God.
Priscilla Shirer doesn’t just call us to surrender with her words.
She calls us with her life.
If you’re willing to be uncomfortable… willing to be undone… willing to finally hand over the last, stubborn parts of your heart — then this book might just mark a line in the sand for you.
I pray it does.
Call to Action:
If you’re ready to go deeper in your walk with Christ, “I Surrender All” is a must-read. Grab a copy, set aside some quiet time, and let Priscilla Shirer guide you into a life of true surrender. And remember, the journey of discipleship isn’t meant to be walked alone—consider reading this with a friend or small group and hold each other accountable as you take this leap of faith together.
For a list of other essential Christian reads click here.
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