Matthew 16:24
Life is a struggle but what most people don’t realize is that our struggle, like Jacob’s, is really with God. We want to be God.
A.W. Tozer said, “The reason why so many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they have not yet come to the end of themselves. We’re still trying to give orders, and interfering with God’s work within us.”
We aren’t God, and we never will be. Jesus said, “Only those who give away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the good news will ever know what it means to really live (Mark 8:35 TLB). There is a moment of surrender and there is a practice of surrender, which is moment-by-moment, and life-long. When you decide to live a totally surrendered life, that decision will be tested. It may mean doing the opposite of what you feel like doing. We are by nature self-centered. It is a natural inclination to hurt back when you are hurt and to hide your mistakes when you are criticized.
But significance doesn’t come from self. It comes from service. Only by giving your life away, can you feel that your life has significance.
Submitted by Deaconess Irene Gardon