Nothing we give over to God is ever lost. If we would only trust that He would not ask for something we cannot truly surrender to Him, we will realize that He is just after our own good.
We may have given up a dream, a habit, friendships, or even relationships, but we stand to achieve genuine peace, joy, and contentment a life of obedience brings.
And when we have gone past being transactional about the rewards we are to reap. When we just want to follow Jesus for who He is and not what He can give, then He blesses us even more.
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
Blessings of obedience
We might think that we are offering up something of value. We might think we are sacrificing what truly makes us happy and feel secure. But in the end, our obedience and willingness to give up what He is asking for will ultimately be for our own good.
When Christ becomes the center of our life we will receive more graces. Our eyes will be opened to the truth that He only asks us to relinquish the things that will not be good for us. He only asks us to let go of the people who may mislead us. Habits that will keep us from living the peaceful life He has died for us to live.
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.” Mark 10:29-30
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Luke 6:38 and 2 Corinthians 9:8 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you think your sacrifices are not being noticed by the Lord? How does His assurance that He rewards those who diligently seek Him will make you feel more confident that your sacrifices are not for naught, and that you will in the end stand to benefit from giving up the things that are harmful for you?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you that you truly love me for even giving me rewards for following you. Teach my heart to seek you though not for the blessings you can give, but for who you truly are. Amen.