A few years ago as I was going about my housework and talking with God about my woes this song began to play. My mind cleared and I had the answer to questions about my struggles. Give it up! Give up the struggling, the worrying and the tension.  

 

Present myself as a living sacrifice.

 

Sacrifice sounds so negative and gives the idea of total loss. The definition according to Webster: "the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim."  

 

God calling is a higher claim indeed. However, as I moved forward from that day I saw that offering my living sacrifice did not cause destruction of something desirable but rather something undesirable. It also built up something far greater; hope, love, the ability to see past the present troubles and to see His purpose. As Melanie Hart said in her song,  

 

 

 

I would like to say that after that day I continued offering my life as a living sacrifice. But alas, I did not. Some days I got caught up in the struggle and neglected to put on the armour of light. I lost sight of the fact that he was my provision and the struggles I was facing may very well be His mercy. They are often His way of showing me something or helping someone else that I am unaware.  I took on the battle rather than giving it to Him. This can complicate the situation and sometimes prolong the pain and difficulty.

 

As the years have passed I have found that there are fewer days that I struggle but it takes a conscious effort to remember I need not worry.  There are days when I still feel forgotten and neglected. I must remind myself that no matter what people do or don't do God never will forget me and He desires the best for me. There are those days when others speak untruths about me, ridicule me or mistreat me. I let anger rise and far too often try to defend myself rather than let God be in control. I can truly let Christ work in and through me when I lovingly and patiently go through my day knowing full well that I am a child of God and He desires to use me to expand His kingdom. I cannot do that when I am worrying, struggling and demanding my rights and preferences.....

 

Give it up, worship Him and let others see Him in you!

 

 

 

 

We'll talk next week "All about love"

 

Editor/Membership Coordinator Donna grew up and lived in the Willamette Valley of Oregon until 2004. Then the Lord called her to serve alongside her husband who pastors a very small church in Salmo British Columbia where she coordinates the Women's Ministry program. She also keeps very busy volunteering in several community organizations. One of the biggest joys of her life are her daughters, son, and grandchildren.