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I acknowledge that sometimes I can be selfish. I prefer things to be done my way. I enjoy purchasing items for myself and my home, and I like to engage in activities for joy or comfort.
As a Christian, I am also aware that God calls us to lead a life of selflessness. Admittedly, sometimes this can be a struggle. I have learned, though, that setting aside our selfish desires often leads to blessings.
Here’s a story to illustrate
We have a fairly long driveway and turnaround at our home. Initially paved with asphalt, it served us well. After many years, it was beginning to show wear and needed to be replaced. My husband suggested we have it resurfaced.
But I didn’t just want resurfacing; I was set on a concrete driveway for several valid reasons. A concrete driveway enhances the appearance and increases the property value. It also eliminates the need for resurfacing once installed. Despite the higher cost, I knew that we had the financial means to afford it.
The driveway became my obsession, while my husband remained firm in his decision. I just couldn’t let it go. It became such a compulsion that I included it in my daily prayers. I’d come to that point every morning while praying for family, friends and country. I would pray, “Lord, if it be your will, let Bobby agree to concrete the drive. If it’s not your will, then give me the ability to let it go.”
The victory
Then, unexpectedly one day my husband suggested I go ahead and get some estimates for the driveway. Overjoyed, I started calling for estimates before he changed his mind.
We obtained three estimates, selected a contractor, and scheduled a date for the installation. My driveway was finally going to be a reality! Thank you, Lord!
The letdown
We love to travel and are always looking for good deals on cruises and other vacations. Bobby discovered an incredible deal on a 32-day cruise and brought it to my attention. “I think we should take this,” he said. Always eager for a good adventure, I agreed, “Yes, let’s do it.” But then came the clincher. “If we go on this trip, we’ll have to delay paving the driveway for another year.”
I felt a sense of betrayal. We had reached an agreement to install the driveway. Now, he’s attempting to use this trip as an excuse to avoid it.
He remained steadfast in his pitch for the cruise. Every few days, he would reiterate, “This is an incredible opportunity. We should seize it. I have a strong feeling that we’re meant to go.” Nevertheless, I persisted with the driveway idea and never made the cruise reservation.
The sacrifice
Eventually, I felt the Lord say. Give up your driveway and commit to the cruise. I knew I had to let the driveway go and embark on the cruise instead. It was bittersweet. After all, who wouldn’t be excited about a 32-day cruise to the South Pacific. Yet, I couldn’t shake the disappointment that I’d have to live with our unsightly driveway for at least another year.
Bon Voyage
We went on the cruise and had a wonderful time visiting the islands in the South Pacific. It was an unforgettable trip of a lifetime.
We met amazing people and even made new friends. We experienced gorgeous islands, landscapes, and sun rises and sunsets like we’ve never seen before. We ate like kings, and I didn’t have to lift a finger to cook or clean for more than an entire month.
We returned home refreshed and ready to settle into home life for a while.
The surprise
A few weeks after our return, something incredible happened. Bobby instructed me to contact the driveway contractor again. He had decided to opt for the concrete driveway after all!
But then he went further. We also had a deck that was in need of repair. He wanted to remove that structure and extend the concrete to a full patio. This would almost double the size of what I had originally asked for.
The prize
These days, I get to sit on my beautiful concrete patio every day. While doing my morning devotions, I listen to the birds sing and admire my new drive and patio. I thank God every day for this blessing. I can’t help but contemplate. My letting go of what I wanted actually brought back to me more than I’d even asked.
What if?
Had I declined the cruise, we would have forfeited one of the most thrilling adventures of our lifetime. Yes, I would have my concrete driveway; but it wouldn’t be nearly as nice or large as it is today.
This is just one of many instances in my life where a sacrifice has been rewarded by God. As a follower of Christ, you likely have your share of similar experiences.
More important than a driveway
Of course, a driveway is a little thing in the scope of eternity. I could live without a concrete drive. My life would have been just fine as long as there was a surface hard enough to hold our cars.
Yet, many decisions carry significantly more weight as they have eternal implications. Saying yes to the Lord can be pivotal in determining someone’s salvation, for instance. This is an area in my life where I constantly need to be more aware.
The ultimate sacrifice
No one has made a greater sacrifice than Jesus. Even he sought confirmation from God in prayer about enduring the crucifixion. God affirmed it, and Jesus, in obedience, accepted the path.
Jesus received abundant rewards for His sacrifice. He was resurrected. He took solace in the knowledge that His sacrifice redeemed us from our sins. This act granted eternal life to believers and earned him the title “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”
Being obedient and setting aside our selfish desires is something God always takes note of. Placing others needs before our own can be difficult. Yet, the rewards are immense. Even if the only return is a sense of well-being.
Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
