Extreme Devotion

Recently, our family has been blessed by a daily devotional titled "Extreme Devotion." Published by The Voice of the Martyrs, it draws daily thoughts from Scripture giving examples of these truths lived out, by God's grace alone, in the lives of persecuted believers both past and present. One common factor in the lives of believers is the presence of trials. The testimonies are inspiring and the devotionals both inspiring and challenging. Our devotional reading from yesterday really struck a cord with us.

"We don't have to go looking for trouble. It already has our address. Jesus often reminded his disciples that trials are part of daily living. Seeking God more earnestly does not mean seeking more trouble for our lives. No, the benefit of seeking a deeper relationship with God is to better prepare us for the inevitable. We don't have a choice about what troubles come our way. However, we can choose to have a relationship with God that prepares us for trouble. Some trials may mean losing our lives for Christ's sake. Yet this is not the real sacrifice. The extreme sacrifice must come long before. We must sacrifice selfishness at every level in order to develop intimacy with God ahead of time. When we have sacrificed all to pursue a preeminent relationship with Christ, we will have already done the hardest part."

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers,
in view of God's mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God -
this is your spiritual act of worship."

Romans 12:1