“Y.O.L.O!” (You only live once) “Seize the Day!” “You deserve it!” Our culture is discipling us to live for #1! Which is in complete contrast to how God instructs us to live. Jesus said, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” When following Jesus costs us things here on earth, we take great assurance in knowing that we have an eternity of wanting for nothing before us.When we share our stories of God’s goodness to us as we are persecuted for His sake we encourage one another. The circumstances are different but our God is the same and He is faithful! Here are some stories to encourage you this morning.

Abraham gave up all that was familiar and was even asked to give up the son he waited so long for God to provide. And Abraham obeyed. God stopped him and provided a ram for the sacrifice.

Hannah was barren for years, which at the time was a disgraceful thing. She also prayed for a child. God gave her a son and she gave him back to God to serve at the temple. Hannah was blessed with many other children as well.

Gideon gave up everything he thought would provide security.  First, his hiding place and second, the army he’d recruited for victory. He had to fully rely on the Lord and God rewarded his faithfulness, not only with victory but with making him Israel’s judge for the next 40 years.

I hope these stories encourage you when following Jesus comes with hardship.

Jesus was the perfect example of total obedience to the Father. In the Garden of Gethsemane he was honest with the Father about His desire to live and not to suffer but he also submitted and prayed, “yet not my will but yours be done.”

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