Wow, you’re really brave.
That’s a lot of things to leave behind.
You quit your job, too?
The reactions I receive when speaking of the World Race are quite varied– shock, excitement, nervous head-nodding, and applause. While most reactions are encouraging and affirming, I noticed myself occasionally wondering, “Why am I really leaving for this trip?”
I started to agree, “They’re right! I am leaving a lot behind.”
I started to doubt, “I wonder if this is all this really worth the trouble.”
I started to question, “Wait, what have I done?”
Thankfully, God changed my perspective:
You’re not doing all this for a cool trip. You’re doing this in obedience to what I’ve asked of you. You’re surrendering your life for ME.
You see, if this was all for some cool trip, my scenario would look like this:
Is this trip worth leaving your family and friends behind? Is a trip worth losing your job, your relationship, selling your car, and moving from your home?
I would say no. A trip would not be worth losing those things. I realize some things I have a high chance of returning to (family), but other things being sacrificed, that have no promise to return to me, would not be worth it for just a trip.
So a new question wells up in my soul as I hear God whisper the words of Matthew 16:25, “Are you willing to surrender these things I’ve given you for Me? For whoever loses his life for my sake, will find it.“
Surrendering your life for God isn’t easy. Sometimes He asks of us things that make us uncomfortable. Sometimes He challenges us and tests our faith. However, if we truly want to live a life that glorifies and honors Him, we will continually surrender our plans and follow where He leads.
“Surrendering your life means:
- Following God’s lead without knowing where he’s sending you;
- Waiting for God’s timing without knowing when it will come;
- Expecting a miracle without knowing how God will provide;
- Trusting God’s purpose without understanding the circumstances.”
(Rick Warren)
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on stories from Scripture about acts of surrender…
I think of Abraham, who was asked to sacrifice his only son, whom he loved dearly. Even still, he took his son to the alter to be sacrificed because God was worth it. Spoiler Alert: An angel of the Lord stopped Abraham once God saw he was willing to give up his son for him. (Genesis 22:2-14)
As for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego– they were willing to literally give up their lives as they walked into the burning fiery furnace due to their defiance towards King Nebuchadnezzar. All because God was worth it. Another Spoiler Alert: They walked right back out untouched by the flames. Check out the story! (Daniel 3:16-30)
There are stories after stories for those who surrendered their lives, money, time, plans, family, friends, and possession because they knew God was worth it.
So, with a new perspective like this, the scenario looks much different:
Is God worth leaving your family and friends behind? Is pursing Christ worth losing your job, your relationship, selling your car, and moving from your home?
I would say yes. To be honest, it is not yet a firm, confident “yes” that I long for it to be, but I’m getting there. There are days when it is easier than others to say yes. The important part is that I do believe God is worth it. He is worth all these things and more. He is worth more than life itself. He is worth more than I can even begin to fathom. I will intentionally strive towards the day when I can fully, without hesitation, exclaim “yes” no matter the circumstance.
And this is my prayer– that I may become open-handed has God gives and takes away. That I am eager to follow His will because I know my God is worth it. That I become a spirit full of generosity, kindness, and love because I strongly desire to obey the One who showers me with blessings daily.
That I do not just give pieces of my life to God, but all of it.
Therefore, my challenge to those reading is this:
What has God asked of you? Your time? Your money? Your possessions?
Are there things you are so desperately clinging to?
Take a moment to reevaluate your perspective.
In light of who God is and what Christ has done for us, is He not worth all of you?
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” — Romans 12:1
