Early in my adolescent years, my mother remarked that if Dad said the sky was blue, I would say it was green. This exchange stands out in my mind. Although I most likely protested (duh), inside I knew she was right. Maturity glossed over that stubbornness as I grew, yet pride still hovered close to the surface.
I was 29 when I married Todd and 33 when our first child was born. Suddenly a lot of “set in my ways” was unset and upset. Then we arrived in Pakistan in 1992.
A new mom stepping into a new country with a new culture, a new language, a new alphabet and a new somewhat-required wardrobe—well, you get the picture. Pride and entitlement quickly surfaced as I struggled to hold onto my way of being and doing.
Deny yourself
“Deny yourself.” It’s not a simple “just do it.” I found that out in the painful and humbling reveal of how deep my selfishness goes. It was embarrassing to realize that people in America thought I was an example of self-denial since I’d left the familiar for the unknown.
If they only knew.
He reveals
As I abide in Christ through prayer and the Word, He brings to light those things that are still in my grip. Things I’m holding onto for dear life. His Word is that sword of truth cutting through my self-protective layers.
He unveils and reveals the root of pride that anchors deep and tries to entangle itself in every part of my life. He unearths what needs to die.
Daily
Praise God for His continuing work in our lives. Praise God that this is a daily, moment-by-moment walk, following our Lord.
“Then [Jesus] said to them all, ‘If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it. For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself?’” [Luke 9:23-25 CSB]
What about you?
Have you ever had your “set in my ways” unset and upset? How has God used His Word to make His way plain in your life?
5 replies on “Deny yourself”
Luke 9:23 is my verse this year. It’s the daily stuff that’s hard. I think my life is unset every day! 🙂
🙃🙂
When I read this I thought of the Sunday morning 70 years ago when I opened my heart and life to the Lord. Little did I know what my Christian life would be! Through the years I’ve had to learn (and still learning) that truly it is just as written in Luke 9:23: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” It isn’t always easy. However, some words from Nehemiah give me courage, “This day is sacred to our Lord, do not grieve, for the JOY of the Lord is your strength.” Neh. 8:10 Seventy years contain a lot of days and I’m glad it’s just one day at time. Every day with Him is sweeter than the day before. Thank you Susan.
Oh, Bettie! Thank you for sharing your story. Beautiful and encouraging.
Beautiful and so true!