Basically, the church today here in the west, has replaced the definition of grace to be one of, “how much can I gather for myself?” Overall, the American church works more for Attendance, Buildings, and Cash, than it does for what God expects that we are willing to suffer for His suffering.
We are suffering many things in our land; not severe yet, but it grows each day, right? “Die to self” is not an option nor a joke. We have each made our own substitute path under the name of submitting our wills into His will. Have you ever wondered about the rapid growth of the church and widespread movements early on and later in specific areas? Why were all the Apostles called to be willing to suffer? Why would God allow the millions of martyrs to suffer and be sacrificed? Did He not love them? Was He angry at them? No, He loved them all, and He loves you the same!
The call to be a disciple is the call to be His for His Kingdom advancement in this fallen world. To be what He wants us to be, and that is so deeply in love with Him that we are sold out to His purposes alone. To do all that He needs us to do, but we are so busy replacing His plans with our own desired plans. Some might even plan to put God aside to enjoy fishing on Sunday, or a Sunday drive, or sleep late, or a football game. Programs and potlucks have become the higher priorities in today’s church. Oh, God won’t mind. “Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together, as some do.” (Hebrews 10:25)
Beloved, America is in a bad way largely because we are misguided believers, or simply asleep. I went to war in Vietnam, I volunteered to go, I was willing to die for millions of people who would rather spit on me than support the cause. Why would I not be willing to die for the only One Who loves me perfectly?! Why wouldn’t you? “Die to self!” “Submit to God!” “Resist the devil!”
Here in our homeland, people NEED to see God in us, and this may be the reason the sufferings, which escalate, are still with us; we are in a suffering and proving who we truly are in Christ period. People need God and they need to see that you trust Him far above everything we face. TRUST HIM, not trust in me, or others, nor a government. Surrender your will to salvation; surrender your will for devotion to Him; surrender your will to death–be willing to perform His script, not yours.
“I am already being poured out as a drink offering.” (2 Timothy 4:6)
“I am ready to be offered.” It is a transaction of will, not of sentiment. Tell God you are ready to be offered; then let the consequences be what they may, there is no strand of complaint now, no matter what God chooses.”
“Tell God you are ready to be offered, and God will prove Himself to be all you will ever dreamed He would be.” (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, February 6th)
Remember, there is truly Victory in surrender! Pray On, in a contrite heart!
