Would You Pass the Test? By Lisa Burkhardt Worley
Sometimes God might ask you the question, “Would you give it all up for me?”
I was just asked to apply for a job with a nationally-known ministry, but it’s not based in the Dallas area where I live. If I was offered this position, I would most likely have to give up the bulk of my ministry work with Pearls of Promise and the doctoral studies that I felt called to last year.
My first thought was Absolutely not! I love my home state of Texas and I am satisfied by the media ministry work I am currently doing. I was slated to start doctoral studies in the fall. This abrupt directional change did not make sense.
But then I talked to my husband, Jeff, and I prayed. Jeff was surprisingly open to the idea of relocating to this major metropolitan area, and through prayer, verses like this one came to mind: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24–25).
Jeff said, “Maybe this is a test.” After giving the decision over to the LORD, I decided that I wanted to pass the test, so I told the executive recruiter that I was open to applying.
Realistically, while I am qualified for the position, I find it highly doubtful that I will be their candidate, for several reasons, but it is a compliment to be asked to put my name in the hat. However, this possibility made me say to God, “If you want me to go, I will. My life, and everything in it, belongs to you.”
Today, I want to ask you if God called you to leave the comfort of your home and the niche you’ve created for yourself, would you be willing? Would you pass the test?
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1).
Lisa what a great testimony to your trust in the Lord. To be willing, to be loose fisted that you let go of all that you are doing and say “Here I am, use me! I love that about you! I am praying for you! Yesterday a friend out of the blue texted me this and I am praying it.
“ From give him 15
Pray with me:
Father, You are worthy of the highest praise, the most extravagant adoration, and the furthest possible reaches of our love. Jesus, there is nothing we could ever give or do or say that would equate to the great sacrifice You made. You paid the price in full that we might have salvation. And yet, to freely bask in Your glory there is still a price that must be paid.
How can we bring to You an offering that costs us nothing? Father, we repent for doing this very thing – trying to access the most exquisite of blessings while limiting You by what is easy or convenient.
More than the mere sacrifice of our lips, the sacrifice of our lives is required in order to become the tabernacle of Your glory and Your presence. Today, we purpose in our hearts to give our time and effort toward fueling an intentional, passionate pursuit. Jesus, You are worth it all. We refuse to live without experiencing the great pleasure of Your company. You are our magnificent obsession.”
Amen
Mary Ann,
Yes, my I want to live my life sacrificially for Jesus. Not my will but yours, LORD!
Love you,
Lisa