Your Sacrifice, God’s Reward
There are times when I sit and imagine what my life will be like. I imagine how happy I will be and all the great things that will happen to me. I think about how elated I will feel when all the hopes and desires I have are finally realized. I know if I follow God that my life will be infinitely better than if I go my own way. However, following God is going to require my sacrifice. It's going to cost me something.
If you are like me then you have prayed about a long list of things you would like to see God do in your life. I believe that God will do them as long as they are in line with his will. I know that God loves us and desires to give us good things. God is willing to do what we have asked of him, but are we willing to do what he has asked of us? Are we willing to make him Lord of our life? Are we willing to serve him, to suffer as he suffered and to die to our flesh daily?
It cost a lot to have an extraordinary life with God. He wants to show us his favor and bless us beyond measure, but we have to walk in obedience. Walking in obedience may mean giving up someone or something that you wanted. It may be waiting on God when you don’t want to. It may require you to endure something painful, however, you can find your hope in God’s presence. God will never leave or forsake you so whatever the cross you carry, God will help you. Don’t focus on what you’re giving up or how difficult it is, focus on what you are gaining. In 2 Corinthians 4:17, the Bible states, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” God has promised us that the trouble won’t last forever. Everything that God has ever asked you to do is working for your good. God’s rewards will always outweigh the sacrifice you made for it.
Life with God will cost you. It will require you to sacrifice many things. You must remember that your sacrifice will never outweigh God’s reward. Your sacrifice is temporary and God’s reward is eternal. Whatever the sacrifice God is calling you to make, know that he will give you the grace to do it.