Our New Life In Christ Is More About Giving Than Getting

My Utmost For His Highest

He said, "Take now your son…" —Genesis 22:2

“God’s command is, “Take now,” not later. It is incredible how we debate! We know something is right, but we try to find excuses for not doing it immediately. […]  Beware when you want to “confer with flesh and blood” or even your own thoughts, insights, or understandings— anything that is not based on your personal relationship with God. These are all things that compete with and hinder obedience to God.  […]  Always guard against self-chosen service for God. Self-sacrifice may be a disease that impairs your service. If God has made your cup sweet, drink it with grace; or even if He has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him. If the providential will of God means a hard and difficult time for you, go through it. But never decide the place of your own martyrdom, as if to say, “I will only go to there, but no farther.” […] You must go through the trial before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, because by going through the trial you learn to know God better. God is working in us to reach His highest goals until His purpose and our purpose become one.” CHAMBERS

Is that what you thought being a Christian was all about?  Did you think it was about giving or getting. Actually it is about both.  There is, visibly, a simplicity at the point of salvation.  The reason is that the transaction is not a physical one, it is spiritual.  The internal struggle to reach that point may have taken years, I know it did for me. The point of surrender is but an instant, a blink of an eye.  So what then? Our physical circumstances may not change, but how we respond to life and its circumstances should.  God demands that we surrender our devotions until He is in His proper place as first.  It is not wrong to like things, but it is wrong to prefer the things we like over God.  That includes trusting in ourselves.  Proverbs 3:5-6  is not a suggestion .. it is a command.  (look it up)

Rather than avoiding difficulty, God may lead you through of times of great difficulty … like Abraham, testing your Christian metal.  Shaping you to be like His Son.  The question is “Are you willing to give your desires and preferences to God and trust Him?”  That was Abraham’s test.  Your faith will not grow unless it is tested.  You will not experience spiritual blessing … stop thinking of God as our financial benefactor … unless you are willing to be obedient to His leading.  No matter what He leads you through.  It is all for His glory and our good.  Think about it.  ELGIN

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)

Charley Elgin