God Moments: Hearing God vs. Sacrifice
Have you ever been blown away by the sacrifice of others? Like an entire family that moves across the world, because God is calling them to people who have not heard the Gospel. Have you ever been blown away by their faith? By their excitement? By their dedication? They seem to have an unmovable faith that God is going to change that region through them. They do not seem to notice the amazing sacrifice. Instead, they have a joy that is mind-boggling.
How do we get there? I know that when I hear peoples’ stories of sacrifice, it is a little overwhelming. Nevertheless, this is what we must see. God is calling us all to sacrifice that is just as big. Except when our sacrifice comes up and we obey, it feels nothing like sacrifice.It feels more like freedom. To the outside world, it may seem like insanity, and according to the world’s economy, it usually is. However, to the individual or family it is a major God moment. The sacrifice is real, but the person can scarcely see it because of the glaring reality of God in their lives. They are hearing from God, and hearing from God is a euphoria that cannot be explained. Hearing the very voice of God transcends our sacrifice. It transcends our jobs. It transcends our circumstances. It becomes the new motivator in our life’s decisions. We begin to truly walk with God and fulfill our destiny. These are the God moments. God moments are catalysts for focus and prioritization. They are mile markers in our story that helps us remember our way and our cause.
Remember that God is calling you to huge sacrifice, but do not be afraid. To many your sacrifice will seem crazy and ludicrous, but to you it will be the sweetest moment because you actually heard the voice of the living God. May God moments come more often as we hear God and obey because our moments with God are just a glimpse of our future.
Is God calling you to a huge sacrifice? Do have an experience where you heard from God and obeyed?
Brando, you reminded me of Paul who felt he had to share some of the sacrifices he had made with the churches he started and he thought it was a bit of insanity to mention any sacrifices, but felt he needed to for the churches sake. You're dead on with the reason we often don't want to go there is because we know God called us and that's bigger than anything we might go through. It's uncomfortable sharing sacrifices when you're so aware of the sacrifice that was made for you. Almost seems petty, or like some game you don't want to be a part of. Yet, Paul knew by telling what it cost him to bring the gospel would encourage and motivate many, so he indulged in a moment of insanity for the sake of the kingdom. Good reminder Brandon that you can know God called you if sacrifice comes by listening and obeying.
Good insight Tony! Thanks
So True. Joyful people can have just as much pain when they give of their time serving God as a discontent person. A joyful person see's obedience as a piece of the great adventure we get to be a part of. It's a thrill and a half because we are not sure what the end result will be. I have found the end results to be awesome. We don't see the bruises we get in the process as sacrifice, but cool reminders that we get to be part of God's plan to make a difference. Serving God should be no sacrifice to us, but a privilege chock full of adventure. Perhaps that's another reason why the scripture says obedience is better than sacrifice.
This post reminds me of a blog article, I had written a while back where I talk about the relationship between sacrifice, and reward it is called My Obedience is worth what, http://godspaceblog.wordpress.com/?s=obedience+wo…
you should check it out
Steven I love what you say, when you say, serving God should be no sacrifice at all, we owe everything to God, just like Roman 12: 1 talks about
well dont let the true of god be to awaiting moderation.