I am sure that you are like me in that you wonder when God is going to come through for you and take away pain and provide relief. Well, have you ever thought that maybe He is waiting on you to fully obey Him.
“39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” – Matthew 10:39 (ESV)
This morning I am reminded that in order for me to get the life I always wanted, I have to give up what I want and take up the cross for Christ. I have to deny my own self and provide for the glory of the LORD, then and only then will I reach the heights I was meant.
“23And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.’” – Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
I do my best to not be concerned with myself and getting what I want. But, I have to say that it gets frustrating seeing others seemingly getting ahead and finding what appears to be an easy way of things and not getting that same thing myself. It is tough to see others enjoying the “finer things” all while I am doing what I can to get by. Even in my own home, I seem to give and give and give and yet receive very little other than that which is the norm.
But, that is just it. I am not called to receive. I am called to give. To give of myself for others and more/most importantly, to give to the LORD all of me. I am not to be looking for my own life and seemingly getting ahead in the eyes of others. I am to be giving all of myself to the LORD and to others. I am to take up the cross of Christ and carry it for Him. I am to place my own down and follow Him. It is not about me it is about Christ and the spreading of the gospel to all of those around me.
I know that I am here to do the work of Christ. I know that I am made for great things. I also know that it is not supposed to be easy. It is not supposed to get me anything specific in this world. I know that my joy is found in the joy that is the face of God. I work so that others can relax and enjoy. I give to Lori so that she feels the love I have for her. I provided for my boys so they could get on with life. I will gladly wear the same 7 shirts each week. I will gladly drive the 30 year old car. I will gladly give up for myself to ensure that the LORD is glorified. And in return, I will find life everlasting in the presence of the LORD in heaven.
What are you working for? Are you working to find your life? What if you were to forget about your own life and worked to provide for others and the LORD, knowing that you will find your life in the presence of the LORD?
