Worth It

The last night of our eighth Crowned Retreat, I walked down the boardwalk to turn the lights off on the dock. The sky was sparkling with stars and the moon was bright. For just a moment, my life flashed back in time. More than two years ago I was sitting on the bay under a similarly brilliant sky with my boss. I was letting go that night. I was answering a clear call to make space for ministry; however, I had no idea what it would look like. It was risky, it was hard, and it hurt.

My mind and body caught back up to the present and I heard His sweet whisper. I heard God say "I told you it would be worth it baby. Hasn't it been worth it?" These moments are so tender. I smiled big, soaked up His words, and said "Yes. Better than I could have imagined."

It's easy to wonder why God doesn't give the full picture. Why is so much left to mystery in the sacrifice and surrender? I certainly don't know all the answers, but what I do know is that what I experienced in that moment couldn't have been explained to me two years ago. I'm grateful He takes us on a journey. It's the journey that is convincing my body: heart, soul, and mind that the Lord is always good.

What if walking in obedience isn't so much about "doing" for the Kingdom? What if it's about repairing what is broken in my own heart? What if sacrifice and surrender are ultimately the pathway to heal my body from a pack of lies the enemy has spoken to me? After all, God is after my heart... and He's after your heart too. It's going to be worth it.

"If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction." Psalm 119:92