Author | Jamie

I remember a time when what we’re doing seemed crazy and hard. I recall the sadness I felt when I went through the possessions that I had spent years accumulating. And then got rid of them. I recollect the fear of this new season – all the not knowing and concern of how it would all play out.

Vaguely.

All these memories seem surprisingly distant now.

“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ…” ~ Philippians 3:7-8

Dear friends, you know what is amazing? This new life we’re living – it is beyond anything that I could have imagined. I would never have dreamed that life could be so full. This Jesus that I’m getting to know better is far more vast and interesting than I had suspected. The freedom He has for me is unfathomable.

Would I go so far as to call everything that I’ve given up rubbish? I’m not sure. WHAT I DO KNOW IS THIS: I NEVER, EVER WANT TO LIVE MY OLD WAY AGAIN! This way of knowing, experiencing, trusting, relying on and walking with my Savior has definitely ruined me for the ordinary; not the ordinary things of life like cooking dinner for my family, or washing clothes, or doing the shopping, but living these everyday parts of life in the extraordinary freedom and love of Jesus. I was created for more. I was created for glory. So were you.

God’s riches are far better than any riches I can gain for myself.

WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO ASK THE FATHER WHAT HE’D LIKE YOU TO SURRENDER TO HIM SO THAT YOU MIGHT SEE HIS GLORY?  The surrender can seem difficult, but it’s worth the risk.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” ~ Hebrews 12:11

What harvest was being produced in my life before? Certainly God has always been gracious to me – patient and gentle with where I have been in my journey – so there has been fruit. However, I would also say that pressure and anxiety were regular companions of mine also. Were righteousness and peace present? Yes. Yet a pressure to perform or produce or get it right often masked them.

As my Father disciplines, or trains me to Himself and His ways, it requires a letting go. Paul encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1). Sometimes our journey is hindered by baggage other than sin – good gifts from Him that we allow to get in the way. We carry various burdens that make it difficult to experience all that God has for us.

His love for us is so deep, that if He invites us to lay something down, we can be sure He’s thought it through. He knows what the result will be and has designed it for our good. Will you trust Him? You can trust Him.

I’m amazed at how difficult it can be to trust the Creator of the universe who willingly sacrificed His only Son to save us from eternal destruction. Have you noticed that, too? I’ve begun to see, though, that God does not seem quite as concerned with my actions as I thought He’d be. He appears to be more focused on the posture of my heart toward Him. This means that if I recognize I don’t really trust Him, I don’t have to hide from that reality. I can just say to Him, “Wow, God. This seems kind of ridiculous, but I don’t really trust You. Sorry about that.”

I believe that’s something He can work with. In fact, He delights to work with that. Do you want to try it? I’ll tell you, there’s surpassing greatness (priceless privilege, overwhelming preciousness, surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) on the other side. Far more than we could ask or imagine.

P.S. ~ This song reminds me of the overwhelming love and mercy of God. I hope you enjoy it!  Overwhelmed