Day 21

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Sacrifice

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 4:6
“So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.”

OBSERVATION

Sometimes the beginning of a journey is the easiest part. Many times, as believers, we start well, but don’t end well. The thing that lies between the starting line and the finishing line is a lot of sacrifice. It has been said that you have to give up to go up. The Kingdom of God is no different. If we want to move forward and complete the task God has given us, it is going to require sacrifice.

Nehemiah understood this principle. In this passage they are half way finished, because the people had a mind to work. You could also put it like this: The people had a willingness to sacrifice. What God is calling us to do, individually and as a church, will require sacrifice. It will not be an easy process, but the reward on the other side is worth it. When we give something up to see God do something, we make room for other people to experience the life of Christ. During this New Wave Faith Journey, God calls us to not only give up what is comfortable, but to give sacrificially. If we all open our hearts and let God lead, we can truly do more than we ever thought was possible. We have to give up to go up!

APPLICATION

Have you been processing this New Wave Faith Journey through the lens of sacrifice? Many times our first response is to give God what we have left over, but real maturity understands that everything we have is God’s and we need to have an open hand if He asks us to give it back. Begin to process this journey through sacrificial eyes.

Prayer

God, help me be willing to sacrifice so that others can experience your love and grace. Everything I have is yours, so lead me as I process this faith journey through the lens of sacrifice. I am yours, Jesus. Use me.