DYING TO LIVE

When we plant our seeds, the first thing that seed must do, before it can grow into full fruition, is die. So, it is with us. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” [Luke 9:23-24]

For so long, I interpreted this scripture with a literal meaning; however, I received a deeper revelation recently. During one of my many requests unto the Lord, I was slammed with a hurtful reality. There I was, approaching 30 and I was finding myself discontent with my life and the accomplishments thereof. In the absence of the college degree, the career, the home, the nice car, and money, I felt like there was no visible value of my life. So, there I was taking my requests back to the throne of God, like so many times before, pleading with him to make the provisions for my dreams.

In the repetition of this request, there was a small inner thought that I could not have both my dreams and fulfill the Will of God for my life. Yet, I tried to dismiss this thought. I thought to myself, surely, I can have both because Jesus said whatever I ask in prayer, in faith, it will be done. As time passed, this inner thought continued to grow and with each increase, my flesh would war with it even the more.

After some time of battling with this, I broke down and confessed to the Lord. I confessed to him that I did not want to give up my dreams for the unknown (His plans). I confessed to him that I was struggling to just give up everything that I had been dreaming of all those years. A few days/weeks after this confession, the scripture, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake the same shall save it” became so illuminated within my spirit. It was revealed unto me just how much of my life I had to die to.

Suddenly, I understood that “YES” I had to give up MY dreams for God’s. I understood that “YES” I had to give up MY opinions for God’s truth! I understood that “YES” I had to give up my dependency upon my own understanding. I understood that I was NOT going to get to where God was trying to take me because of my own credentials, my own resources, my college degree, my connections/relationships BUT ONLY by the power of God’s spirit! I understood that the only way I was going to get to where God was trying to take me was by SURRENDERING…I HAD TO DIE TO LIVE AND LIVE MORE ABUNDANTLY!

What are some things that you have not yet died to, in your journey with the Lord? Are these things worth your destiny? Examine yourselves and your lives and determine what seeds need to die before they can live. Submit those world-given dreams for the God-given dreams. Submit those worldly desires for the Heavenly Pleasures of God. Submit your opinion for God's truth. Submit your plans for those of God's. If you do not know how to do this, start with confessing. Confess to the Lord, what it is that you do not want to give up. Then repent and ask him to help you to let it go. Humble yourself and ask that he will breathe a fresh breath of fire upon the dreams/gifts he has planted inside of you. As they come back to life, write them down, take them to the alter, and pray over them that God will see these things through that you will be fruitful for the Kingdom of God. In each step, continue to surrender. Surrender every relationship, every cent, every desire, everything that extends from you...surrender it and watch as the Lord increase those areas.

Bless you in the name of Jesus,

Pure Faith