The Blessing

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
—Matthew 16:25

God loves us more than we love ourselves. His plans for us are superior to our own plans (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25). Abandoning ourselves to Him is the best course of action for us. However, it may not always seem that way to our natural thinking, as our carnal minds are the enemy of God (Romans 8:7). While following Jesus may involve hardships (2 Timothy 3:12), God’s rewards are truly extraordinary (Romans 8:17-18). He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

Throughout my Christian life, I’ve heard about my need to die to self, but less about the incredible blessings I would receive in doing so. I've found the purpose I was created for. I’ve discovered abundant life! I’ve found the joy of fulfillment nothing else brings! Freely I’ve received, and freely I’m called to give. I’m called to love without receipt. To see beyond what is seen. To hear beyond what is heard. To understand beyond my own understanding. To always encourage and inspire hope. To bring healing. To inspire greater faith to believe God. To help others experience the joy of their faith. This is my calling. If I lose my life for His sake, Jesus prospers in me. He blesses me again and again to bless others.

“To me,” Paul writes, “living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith” (Philippians 1:21-25 NLT).

I understand Paul’s dilemma—whether to go or to live. I’m alive today for one reason—to help others experience the joy of their faith. This is my calling and my blessing: To see those who have struggled in their faith to find rest in the finished work of Jesus. To see those who haven’t believed to believe. To see those who haven’t stood confidently on the Word to stand and receive. To see their lives changed forever.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, KJV).

Daily, I choose to be crucified with Christ and to live by “the faith” of Jesus. I can't live by my faith. I live by His. Life is not about me. It’s not about you. It’s about Jesus living in us. Whatever the cost—whatever He asks is worth the blessing of knowing Jesus has used you exceedingly more than you ever imagined. It’s a joy unparalleled on this earth.