A New Word for 2016

Have you ever played the “one word” game? Last year, I asked God for one word to live my life by and the word was “give.” I then asked the Lord to show me ways I could give of my time, to him, to others and financially.

Over a month late, this week I asked God for my 2016 word. Immediately, the word “sacrifice” came to my mind.

Not that word!

Maybe I got it wrong. Let me listen again. Is there another word besides “sacrifice?”

No.

I knew in my heart it was the right word because God had already been asking me the question, “What are you willing to sacrifice for me?”

In my case, it’s our house. Both my husband and I decided we don’t need this large of a house and are ready to move into something more modest. As much as I love our home of the past eleven years, I have laid it at the Lord’s feet and given it as an offering to him. However, four and a half months later, it still has not sold and I don’t understand why.

Now we really need to sell it. Yesterday, we had some bad news about my husband’s business and as I was feverishly getting ready for yet another showing, I knocked over a candle in the bathroom. The pieces flew everywhere and my meltdown began.

“Don’t you love me Father?” I shouted while sweeping up the mess.

“I have prayed and prayed for a buyer.” The hard part is I know you can draw someone to buy this house and you are not doing it.

I began to quote Scripture to God. Remember what you said in your word in Matthew 7:9-11. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Maybe you are feeling the same way right now.

Because of circumstances, are you unsure of God’s love for you?

That’s how I felt yesterday.

Wiping tears away, I had to go into the kitchen to get something I needed. The radio was on and “Amazing Grace” began to infiltrate the house.

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I am found. Was blind but now I see.”

I knew it was no coincidence this song was playing smack dab in the middle of my pity party. God crashed the party, reminding me once again of the sacrifice he made out of his love for me. No matter what circumstance I find myself in, his ultimate act of love should be enough.

Paul understood. In 2 Corinthians, when sharing about his “thorn in his flesh” that tormented him, he said he also cried out to God to take it away. But God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:8).

What situation do you find yourself in right now?

Are you wondering if God has abandoned you?

Do you question his love?

If so, remember the sacrifice he made out of his endless love for you. His son’s life for yours.

He wants to know. Is that enough?