Abandoned to Him

Soul-searching seems to be part of my everyday life. Every morning, as I sit quietly before the Father, the Holy Spirit reveals hidden motives, skewed desires, and selfish ambitions. Each day, I hear Him gently call me away, inviting me to abandon my heart completely to Him.

Today, as I read Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (NIV)

I quietly reflected and questioned, "Am I truly abandoned to God? Is everything I'm doing by His Grace and for His glory? Or have I allowed fear, worry, or opposition to steal my hope?

In Mark 4:18-20, Jesus talks about seed that was scattered among the thorns. He shares the meaning of the parable with His disciples. "Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." (NIV)
 
As much as I love the LORD...with ALL my heart...my propensity for distractions is alarming. How about you? Has the enemy attempted to choke out God's word in any part of your life? Mark chapter four highlights the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things.
 
As many of you know, I left a six figure income to fulfill the work of an evangelist. Sounds noble, right? But...oh the anguish and frustration I have felt along the way. I miss the finer things of life at times. I miss not being able to do whatever, whenever. I know, sounds spoiled, doesn't it? I wish I didn't struggle, but at times(to be quite honest) I'm tempted to look back.
 
I guess we all are, at times.
 
So, what do we do to press on and overcome. Here are some helpful hints I implore into my life, each day:

1. Remember Jesus and confess the TRUTH. Revelation 12:11, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." (NIV)
2. Align your words, actions, and will with Gods. Submit all that you are and draw near to Him. James 4:7-8, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you." NIV
3. Retreat into the truth of WHO GOD IS. Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (NIV)

I could go on and on, but the key to overcoming is living with complete dependence on God. He alone is our help. He alone holds our victory. He alone is the author and finisher of our faith. His Word provides direction. His Spirit instills life. His love sustains and protects.

Friend, will you join me in this resolution? "By God's grace, I will give ALL that I am, and ALL that I have, that I may HONOR HIM in ALL that I do."

If so, pray this simple prayer. "Father, help me to live for You completely. Empower me. Equip me. And fill me with Your wisdom, that I may faithfully follow wherever You lead. I give You all that I am and all that I have, in order that I may honor You in all that I do. Amen."