What sacrifices might God be calling you to make for His kingdom? Setting the Scene “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” (Hebrews 11:24) Moses deliberately turned his back on rank, wealth, and security because he believed God’s promises were worth more. That single verse invites each of us to ask: What comforts, privileges, or ambitions might the Lord be asking me to lay aside for the advance of His kingdom? Moses’ Choice: Turning Down a Palace • Status sacrificed: Prince of Egypt to shepherd of Hebrews • Wealth surrendered: every luxury of the royal court • Security exchanged: predictable palace life for hardship and opposition • Motivation: faith that God’s rewards outshine earthly riches (Hebrews 11:26) Modern Parallels: What Might God Ask of Us? • Reputation – Declining opportunities that compromise biblical convictions (Acts 5:29) – Willingness to be misunderstood for standing with Christ (Matthew 5:11-12) • Comfort – Relocating or adjusting lifestyle to serve or plant a church (Isaiah 6:8) – Opening home to foster, adopt, or disciple others (James 1:27) • Possessions – Radical generosity that alters spending patterns (2 Corinthians 9:7-9) – Investing time and skills, not just money (1 Peter 4:10) • Dreams and Career – Choosing vocation based on kingdom impact over salary (Colossians 3:23-24) – Surrendering long-held plans if God redirects (Proverbs 16:9) Practical Steps for Obedient Sacrifice 1. Examine: Ask the Spirit to spotlight anything you cherish above obedience (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Evaluate: Compare the temporal value of that treasure with eternal reward (Luke 12:33-34). 3. Entrust: Hand it to God, believing His character and promises (Romans 8:32). 4. Embrace: Take concrete action—alter schedules, budgets, or affiliations accordingly (James 2:17). 5. Endure: Expect opposition yet rely on Christ’s strength (2 Timothy 3:12; Philippians 4:13). Encouragement from God’s Promises • “No one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for My sake and for the gospel will fail to receive a hundredfold in the present age… and in the age to come, eternal life.” (Mark 10:29-30) • “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8) • “Therefore, brothers, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1) Like Moses, we step forward by faith, convinced that whatever we release into God’s hands will be repaid with joy both now and forever. |
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