In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we tackle the powerful question: “But did you die?” This thought-provoking phrase challenges us to consider the depth of our commitment to following Christ and what it means to live a life fully surrendered to Him. We’ll explore the biblical concept of dying to self, the call to embrace our identity in Christ, and the transformative impact of putting our old selves aside. Join us as we reflect on the joy and freedom found in a life that prioritizes Christ above all else, encouraging one another to fully embrace our new life in Him.

Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear from you! How have you experienced the call to die to self in your own life? Share your insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What challenges have you faced in living out this commitment?

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Full Transcript Below:

But Did you Die?

By Kelly Balarie

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

On the way to the grocery store, I instructed the Lord that I really needed Him to speak to me. I needed Him to speak to me about why things have been so hard and on what to do…

Franky, it’s been a beyond-hard season. I wasn’t trying to be demanding of the Lord, but I’d gone through such a deep “stripping back”, now I was calling out. Asking Him to speak to me was one way I was doing this. The other ways, tended to be griping and complaining so I figured this was a better avenue than those. Truth is, I am still working my faith out, with fear on some days and trembling on others. It’s not always easy.

Anyway, I asked this small request of God, and hoped He would come through. In the meantime, I went into the grocery store, maneuvered around other aisle-abandoned carts down the vegetable lane, got my goods and headed back to my car. As I carted my goods towards the white vehicle, though, I spotted a bumper sticker. 

It said, “But did you die?”

Frankly, the sticker felt a little unempathetic, in-my-face, and kind of rude, but, still, I felt it tugging on my heart.

Everything has gone wrong. But did you die?

People are not agreeing with me. But did you die?

Everything is not going my way. But did you die?

I’m not catching a break. But did you die?

I have done so much wrong. But did you die?

Those people aren’t acting how I want them to. But did you die?

The question, “But did you die” highlighted the fact that I am alive and that there is still room for thanks. 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:16-18)

Wow. I didn’t die. I am not dying. God kept me alive. I am at a grocery store buying food. I have food. Thank you, God. There is good in all this. Thank you, God. I rejoice in your safe keeping. I am thankful for the groceries going in my cart. I am alive! I rejoice because I may not have all the answers, or all that I think I need, but you have all that and you are keeping my life. Thank you,God.

It is not as much about me knowing everything as much as it is about me trusting God in everything, giving thanks, and doing His will. Eve, in the garden, thought she needed to know everything, and learned the knowledge of good and evil, and how did that work out for her?

We don’t always have to know -- to rejoice. We don’t have to have it be the best day – to pray. We don’t have to see everything go our way -- to praise. God’s will is not dependent on our circumstances, but if we do God’s will, I believe, it will work right into our circumstances. 

God’s will is simple and it works.

God’s will is that we rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances.  We can do this! This is solid direction for the searching.

What is getting us down today? But did we die? For that, we can give thanks. There is always good reason to thank the Lord. He gives us, even, our beating heart – and He sustains our life. All of this is a reminder: God is constantly faithful. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

How might your praise change the face of the prison you find yourself in? What might it do to you emotionally to start thanking God for the small grain of goodness you see in your life? What can you give thanks for today? What might you need to pray about? What praise can you offer to the One who loves you and who has good plans for you?

Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. She loves seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize –God is faithful! Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant and Today’s Christian Woman. 

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