The older I get, the more I realize a successful life is full of sacrifices. Although our culture tells us YOLO (you only live once), live your best life, and purse happiness, a life lived well has the signature of sacrifice written all over it.
Without question, Jesus exemplified sacrifice. He died so that we may have eternal life.
If you “google” the definition of sacrifice you will find it means: an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.
God has put me in the gym of inner-life. My workout routine pushes me to use spiritual muscles I have not used before (at least not consistently). He has challenged me to sacrifice some behaviors to receive true peace. Which feels like mental burpee/high knee/squat/mountain climbers done twenty times in sets of fifty. (Geesh)
I know it sounds dramatic but y’all know the ease of sacrifice is dependent on what you give up.
Thankfully, God never leaves us or forsakes us. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Here are the top three things I feel called to sacrifice:
My need to be right– God is teaching me winning every argument or “getting my point” across is not really “winning”. Is my goal to be right or foster the relationship? The answer to that question may cause me to sacrifice explaining why my way is the best. It may even cause me to give up the need to respond AT ALL! Oooooo weeee!
Acting out of Emotion-I am dramatic by nature. My drama is awesome for writing, teaching classes, and explaining things but it all goes left when I’m upset. I can hear God saying “now you know better” just before I jump off the ledge of craziness. Slamming doors, manipulating with my behavior, pouting, and angry outbursts are all being called to the chopping block.
The need for everything to go my way-Logically, I understand everything will not go my way. However, my heart and passion for what I want run deep. I bargain with God and refuse to accept reality. My “need” for everything to go my way is a cover up for wanting to be in control. I know results are up to God but I keep trying to push people and circumstances to go the way I prayed and hoped they would. When they don’t…hello frustration and devastation.
Earlier this week, I was listening to Dr. Tony Evans speak about “Hope in the midst of heartbreak“. During his sermon, he said a quote that rocked me:
“If you don’t make time for divine interruptions you will stay angry, mad, frustrated, irritated, and exacerbated…because life doesn’t always go like you planned.”
Lord, please help me learn to sacrifice so I can make room for your divine interruptions.
Have you ever been called to sacrifice something?
Today’s post is part of a weekly writing link-up called Five Minute Friday.
Thank you for writing this, I too am working on some of these things I enjoy reading your perspective. You are are wonderful writer. Wendy C.
Thank you!!! When I write….I’m preaching to myself! I need a lot of preaching 🙂
Talk about a Divine interruption when I needed it most! Thank you for this Katina! Thank you for your obedience and you allowing God to use you in such a mighty way!
Thank you for being such a light in my life!
I’m so grateful for your light Katina. Your legacy is every life you touch. I am a part of your legacy.
Thank you Renee!! I feel the same way about you!
I’ve given up depression
and its dark despair,
even tho’ ’twas cancer’s mission
to try to force me there.
I’ve given up my future plans
that would draw the world’s applause,
and let what I’ve accomplished stand,
monument to losing cause.
I’ve given up what might have been,
and embrace the shining Is
for in the darkness I have seen
that all I am is His,
and that however hard the road
my step is light in grace bestowed.
Wow, what a beautiful poem.
To give up future plans that would draw the world’s applause.
I love your take on this! I also love what you intend to sacrifice. I’ll join you in a few of them ;). Glad we ended up as neighbors over at Kate’s today! I needed to read this.
Thank you!!! I loved your explanation of obedience over sacrifice!