July 25
Giving Up the Club
If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me. Those who want to save their lives will give up true life. But those who give up their lives for me and for the Good News will have true life.
Mark 8:34-36 (NCV)
My wife frequently reminds me of when we were in our twenties and I would ask her, “What do you want to do when we retire?” I had this dream of summer homes, pools and oceans, a life of rest and ease, peace and quiet, leisure and fun. Hmmmm. Funny how life turns out—especially when we let go of our desires and float free into His perfect will.
The things He allowed to come our way are not what we would have chosen: a child whose syndrome required twenty-five extensive surgeries, being stationed so far from the rest of the family, or that year I spent in Saudi Arabia, and so many other things we came to accept from His hand.
Yes, the dreams of golf and tennis, cards at the club and a casual afternoon plunge in the pool are long gone. Instead, He has given us a heart for true treasures: people, not possessions; His Word, and not our own way; and ministering to others, not ourselves. This is true life because this is His life.
Father, I open my hand to You. Take what You will and leave me Your life—true life in Christ. Amen.
Giving Up the Club
If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me. Those who want to save their lives will give up true life. But those who give up their lives for me and for the Good News will have true life.
Mark 8:34-36 (NCV)
My wife frequently reminds me of when we were in our twenties and I would ask her, “What do you want to do when we retire?” I had this dream of summer homes, pools and oceans, a life of rest and ease, peace and quiet, leisure and fun. Hmmmm. Funny how life turns out—especially when we let go of our desires and float free into His perfect will.
The things He allowed to come our way are not what we would have chosen: a child whose syndrome required twenty-five extensive surgeries, being stationed so far from the rest of the family, or that year I spent in Saudi Arabia, and so many other things we came to accept from His hand.
Yes, the dreams of golf and tennis, cards at the club and a casual afternoon plunge in the pool are long gone. Instead, He has given us a heart for true treasures: people, not possessions; His Word, and not our own way; and ministering to others, not ourselves. This is true life because this is His life.
Father, I open my hand to You. Take what You will and leave me Your life—true life in Christ. Amen.
posted by Craig Soderquist at 5:33 PM
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