Total Submission to God: The Key to Power and Authority

Apostle Tose Ndebele

We are in a season where God is calling His people to something deeper—total submission to Him. This message is not just about surrendering tasks or religious duties, but about yielding completely to God’s voice, His power, and His authority.

For the past two months, Apostle Tose Ndebele has been diving into what it means to fully submit to God—not just emotionally, but spiritually, practically, and consistently. This series has been transformative for many, challenging our assumptions about what it truly means to live under God’s authority.

Jesus: The Ultimate Model of Submission

Jesus made it clear: “I can do nothing by myself. I only do what I see the Father doing and say what I hear the Father saying.” This is the essence of divine authority—it flows from relationship and revelation, not human effort or religious activity.

This truth teaches us a core principle:

Spiritual authority is connected to your eyes and ears.
You must see what God is doing and hear what He is saying.

Without that connection, many believers find themselves spiritually dry, disempowered, or constantly striving. But when we walk in submission, we unlock a flow of divine insight and supernatural power.

Martha and Mary: Two Postures, Two Outcomes

The heart of this message draws a vivid contrast between Martha and Mary—two sisters, one household, but two completely different spiritual postures.

  • Martha was busy serving. She owned the house, took the initiative to host Jesus, and wanted everything perfect. Yet, she was distracted, anxious, and ultimately bitter.
  • Mary, on the other hand, sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words. She didn’t own the house, but she owned the moment. Her choice—the “one thing that was necessary”—was honored by Jesus and was not taken away.

When tragedy struck (the death of their brother Lazarus), their responses again revealed the depth of their connection to Jesus.

  • Martha came to Jesus first and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Yet despite her theological correctness, she didn’t move Jesus emotionally or spiritually.
  • Mary later came, said the same words, but fell at His feet. Her posture of submission and intimacy moved Jesus to weep, and ultimately, to raise Lazarus from the dead.

Let that sink in: Same words. Different posture. One moved heaven.

Power Must Be Used

Jesus was anointed with power and the Holy Spirit—but He didn’t keep that power bottled up. He went about doing good and healing all. Authority is not passive. Power is not meant to be stored—it’s meant to be exercised.

“If you want to see more of God’s power, start using what you already have.”

Too many believers sit on their anointing. You’ve been given power, but fear, doubt, or distraction has kept you from stepping out. It’s time to lay hands, to intercede, to speak life into dead situations. Like Jesus, don’t just acknowledge your power—activate it.

Your Relationship Moves Heaven

Mary’s story teaches us that true spiritual authority flows from intimacy, not activity. Jesus didn’t just listen to her words—He responded to her heart. Her tears moved Him. Her posture of worship at His feet triggered resurrection power.

Are you submitting your life, your time, your work, your ministry, your emotions—everything—to Him?

If Jesus hasn’t moved in your situation, ask yourself: Have I truly submitted, or am I just busy?

What Needs to Resurrect in Your Life?

Lazarus’ resurrection was not just a miracle—it was a message. It happened because someone—Mary—chose total submission over performance. She positioned herself for resurrection power.

Today, many believers are like Martha—faithful, active, but disconnected. But God is looking for Marys—people who linger at His feet, who listen, who love Him more than what He gives.

Final Word: Stop Being Busy. Start Being Close.

It’s time to repent for our Martha-like ways—for prioritizing service over submission, noise over nearness, action over affection.

There is a place at the feet of Jesus for you. A place where power flows, where tears are understood, and where resurrection is activated. Let’s not just work for God. Let’s walk with Him.

Total submission to God is not weakness. It’s the greatest power you’ll ever carry

By Apostle Tose Ndebele