Memorial Day brings to
mind a lot of emotions. Pride for some. Mourning for others. No matter
what your stance on war, few will argue that those who have laid down their
lives are worthy of this day or honor (and much more). But this morning an
encounter with a friend brought to mind a different type of sacrifice.
A friend of mine has
recently become my new workout buddy. Since I haven't asked her
permission to use her in my story we'll call her......."Mindy" :)
Well Mindy has been working out with me over the last couple of weeks.
Mindy is a firecracker and has jumped in with both feet making some
pretty significant changes to her diet and exercise regimen! I mean,
anyone who is crazy enough to get up with me at 4:30 am consistently is a
certified machine! Well today she gave me some great news about her
results! THEN as I looked at the numbers on her treadmill today, she had
gone longer than she ever has since we started working out together. I'm
sure Mindy would like to sleep in a little later or enjoy late night
rendezvous with Ben & Jerry (ok, this second one might be me!), but
she has made it up in her mind to WIN. I can say, Mindy is a well on
her way to victory.
What I thought about
as I watched her today, is something that is consistent whether you are talking
about physical or spiritual victories. The acronym for my high school was
VHS and we used that acronym within the athletic circles to push each other
with the reminder, "Victory Has
Sacrifice". There is
no victory in our lives that is free of sacrifice.
Let's look at
the ultimate sacrifice that Christ made, His life. The victory
was not only in His resurrection, but in our redemption. His sacrifice,
OUR victory.
"While we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8.
BUT the sacrifice did not end there. On this journey through Rooted, I believe we all have had an opportunity to reflect on the areas of our life that are preventing us from walking more closely with God and living according to His purpose for our lives. When Christ died, sin's power over YOU was BROKEN.
"Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from
the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!"
- Romans 6:15
However, our
right-standing (righteousness) with God does take work....and sacrifice.
It takes sacrificing our resources (time, money, etc.), comfort, and will
to win in Christ. So if you find yourself discouraged, jaded, or thinking
"it would be so much easier if ....". Jump in with both feet!
Push harder. Frustration is just weakness leaving your mind.
Our greatest victories are cleverly hidden in our greatest sacrifices so
know that you're on the right track!
And you WILL be
victorious. How do I know? I don't have a crystal ball, but I do have the
Word of God and over two thousand years ago, Jesus saw you. He saw every
one of your tomorrows. He saw every triumph, and He decided your victory
was worth His sacrifice.
And if you're still
wondering HOW? Get over the "will power" mindset and lean on
the power of the cross and see the chains fall. Power of the Cross, Natalie
Grant, - http://youtu.be/nGpdRpjoxUA
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