“What does sacrifice mean to you?”
I stared at my bare feet as my mind did mental gymnastics. I arrived at a theologically correct definition of the word and began my formal definition, “Sacrifice is the act of laying down that which is precious to you out of obedience, motivated by love, for God.”
I glanced up. “No, take theology out of it. Just give me a simple definition.”
I was unable to fulfill the request. Out of frustration I blurted out, “What is your point??”
“My point is that your definition is incorrect. You view sacrifice in a negative connotation. To you, yielding to God means that you give up something good and are left with nothing – but your relationship with Christ.”
I nodded. That was exactly what I thought.
“When Christ was sacrificed on the cross He had to give up His life and, temporarily, His relationship with the Father. Yet, He now lives eternally with the Father and has made it possible for us to be redeemed in order that we may have fellowship with God. See, Christ did not sacrifice something good and gain nothing. He gave up something good in order to accomplish something great.”
Therefore, I have surmised that, although God has called me to yield countless things and His plan makes no sense to me right now, I am not giving up something good for something second rate. God’s plan is always perfect. I am simply yielding what I think is good for what He knows is best.
Now I have the courage to go forward. I no longer fear what may come next. I no longer dread having to yield yet another aspect of my life to God. I no longer squint in pain when I think of people leaving, relationships changing, or God choosing to have me walk in a way that seems foolish.
Thus, I can say with Hudson Taylor, “I never made a sacrifice.”
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