Deny yourself

Early in my adolescent years, Mom remarked, “If Dad said the sky was blue, you would say it’s green.”  Her words stand out in my mind.

Although I most likely protested (duh), inside I knew she was right. As I grew, maturity glossed over that stubbornness.

But 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.  

Deny yourself

A new mom stepping into a new country.

New culture. New language. 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” is 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?

Related

Emptied – Broken record – His lamp – Urgent – Luke 9:23-25 – Hebrews 4:12 –

Note–During the month of August I’m taking my annual break from weekly posting. This was originally published on February 13, 2018.