“Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” – Matthew 16:25 (NIV)
In a world that celebrates self-fulfillment, success, and the pursuit of "having it all," sacrifice often feels like a loss. We are subtly taught to see surrender as weakness, sacrifice as failure, and dependence on God as a limitation. Yet in God's Kingdom, everything is upside down or, perhaps, finally right side up.
We make sacrifice the enemy, something to avoid at all costs. Meanwhile, we idolize a version of "having it all" often rooted in pride, self-reliance, and fleeting pleasures. But Scripture tells a different story. It tells us that the only path to true life, the abundant life Jesus promises is through surrender.
To follow Christ is to lay down our rights, agendas, and even dreams at His feet. It's not a one-time act but a daily offering. Sacrifice is not about loss but about making space for God to give us what truly matters. Surrender isn't defeat; it’s the door to divine strength and peace.
When we surrender, we receive what we were striving for: peace, purpose, joy, and the presence of the One who satisfies our deepest needs.
Reflection Questions:
- What are you holding onto that God might be asking you to surrender?
- How have you viewed sacrifice as a burden or a blessing in your spiritual life?
- In what areas are you striving to "have it all" without inviting God into the process?
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to trust that surrender is not the end of my joy but the beginning of it. Help me release my grip on what I think I need so I can receive all You have for me. Let my life be marked not by striving but by surrender, not by having it all, but by having You. Amen.
