Leaving it all – Fri 13 July

Finally…

The bible says that you will be blessed if you leave everything you have, and that is true, because Jesus said it and he doesn't tell lies!

But who reading this has actually left everything to trust in the name of Jesus – I mean we kind of say we would but we don’t. You have to understand I am not having a go at anyone – I am no better at this than anyone. I wish I was better, but I am not.

I think it seems scary that we have to give everything up for God – it seems to bring up images of moving to Africa and living in a house made of poo. But it doesn't have to be like that, it is more like handing everything over to God – giving everything you own into his hands and trusting he will keep it safe.

Possibly you will be called to the farthest corners of the earth (which I think is a strange phrase as the earth is round, but that is beside the point). Although it might be you are called to Sheffield…funny Sheffield is mentioned because that is where I was called to.

God told me to go to Sheffield and take a degree in Biblical Studies, which I did – leaving behind my family friends and girlfriend. I know that seems small, it is only my girlfriend, and we had in a way only been going out 4 weeks – but it was such a big deal to me. And we are no longer going out – it is hard to me to talk about here, but I feel it is relevant, the cost of going to Sheffield was breaking up.

I knew when I left that might happen, but God had called me there, so I had to trust him to protect me and work out what was best for me. Looking back on Romans 8 from Monday that is a huge comfort, to know he is control. And I think that is the real issue we have.

Do we totally trust God will be with us, keep us close and do the best for us?

If we live with heaven in mind we realise it is all about that – all about Jesus being exalted.

The truth is, and I think you know it, that if we lived for that, and only that we wouldn’t worry, and we would leave everything when asked – because who cares what happens on earth – Jesus will be king!!

And about your kids, do you trust God to take care of them if you follow his calling or do you think you know better?