Dr. Cook's sermon last week tore me up. I started crying at the very beginning, and dripped through the entire message. I've been thinking about it all week long. It was titled, "Letting Go: When Faith Requires Sacrifice," and was the story of Abraham acting in obedience and trusting God's sovereignty by his willingness to sacrifice his own son--the one he had waited 90 years for!-- out of obedience to God. He chose to not allow any idols, including his own flesh and blood, to come between him and his Lord.
I have prayed for years to be wholeheartedly and singlemindedly devoted to the Lord. To not have idols--even in the form of my family or Christian friends, whom I love so very dearly. But, as the sermon reminded me, I have some reprioritizing to do. Some parts in my life in the wrong place. There are areas and people that I need to release my grip on, so that they can assume their rightful places, and so that God is able to move and work without having to pry my fingers off the situation. I've been reminded of it every single day this week.
I think I'm going to take a blogging break for a few weeks, and cut down on Facebook. Work on guarding my heart and repurposing my time and affections. So I'll see you soon! In the meantime, you can check out Dr. Cook's message at www.naobc.org. I am so, so grateful for a church and pastor who brings the Word! Even when (especially when?) I recognize my own need to take and apply it.
2 comments:
What a wonderful post! You put your finger right on something that I've been thinking about, too. I pray the same prayer, but every time I pray it I feel all nervous and defensive. Clearly a sign that I need to examine myself more thoroughly!
Katrina, me too!! Like, "Lord, I AM devoted to you, so can't I keep this, too?" and I hold too tightly to what I'm not meant to...and it becomes a draining distraction. Glad I'm not the only one! :). Blessings!
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