2 Samuel 19:9-43; Jeremiah 3:6-4:2; Galatians 4:21-5:9
But first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 2 Corinthians 8:5
A missionary couple asked a ship’s captain to take them to an island where God had called them to preach the Gospel. The captain warned that the natives were fierce, and would surely kill them. To this they replied “We died before we came.” What a powerful sentiment. To be effective in serving God means we die to ourselves and are fully surrendered to His will. We are not concerned about the outcome—whether we reap success or plow in obscurity—we are committed to Him. What an effective formula for Christian living. What a challenge to our hearts. —Deborah Manera
When the will of God crosses the will of man, somebody has to die. —Elisabeth Elliot