One time my mom was talking to someone about doing the world race. She was kind of bragging as moms do, saying she was just so proud that I would give up so much to do this. I brushed it off, I didn’t want it to be about me and seem holier or proud about what I was willing to give up to serve the Lord. So I don’t talk about the abandonment that has happened in order to go on this journey. I honestly try not to even think of it. But we had a talk this week with one of the leaders of the World Race about the importance of abandonment and my perspective has started to shift.
Sure I’ve abandoned my job and the pay that comes with it, my home, seeing my dog and family, I’ve abandonment the comforts of life in the states. But none of this has been that difficult for me. The abandonment that has been the hardest for me, to literally give up and come to an understanding over, is my marriage. The truth of this situation was the very painful ripping away of this in my life created dependency in God that had never been there before. I had to go through a situation where I daily didn’t know how I’d make it through the day or what the outcome would be for over a year to learn how to lean on God. And guys I still struggle with the thought that this pain is THE very thing and probably the only thing that could have brought me to the point of realizing I NEEDED the Lord in my life.
Jesus quite literally calls us to leave our life behind. Luke 5 is the story of the first disciples following Jesus, verse 11 says “when they got to land, they left everything and followed him.” Im learning that the road to deeper intimacy with Jesus truly begins with abandonment. It isn’t about reveling or being proud of the things you’ve given up. It’s about seeking after His heart, trying to be Christ-like and following the instructions He left us through His word.
There’s kinda this consistent theme in the Bible of sacrifice. It always points us back to the Lord, in the Old Testament it was an actual sacrifice as a burnt offering to God. It was the disciples leaving their families to go with Jesus, Noah sacrificing his time to follow the Lord’s plan, or Jesus’ literal sacrifice of himself for our salvation. When we give something up for the Lord, he will always fill that space. It’s gonna hurt and be hard to detach ourselves from these things but God will honor that sacrifice and always fill it with something of eternal value to bring more glory to His Kingdom.
So I will acknowledge the abandonment that has occurred. And continue to pray on what He is currently calling me to abandon in this season. What is God calling you to abandon to make room for him?
Thank you for sharing from such a deep and personal place, Hailey. It takes courage to admit the shortcomings and/or trials that take us to the very place God needs us to be so we can hear the Holy Spirit’s voice and sense God’s leading on a daily basis. He will continue to work through your life in ways immeasurably more than any of us could hope or imagine. Thank you for your example of abandonment! Praying for you.
Wow!
Thank you for being willing to share your story, including the pain. It evident Father is influencing your heart, and will continue to do so, as you pursue Him daily!
Abandonment!
Very practical way to start a new life of serving the Lord. Just like Elisha did with his oxens ànd farming inorder to follow Elijah. Indeed he received a reward from the Lord.
Abandonment!
Very practical way to start a new life of serving the Lord. Just like Elisha did with his oxens ànd farming inorder to follow Elijah. Indeed he received a reward from the Lord.
Hailey! You are a blessing to your family and friends. Your service to God is not in vain. There is a reward for you
WOW you blow me away. Thanks for your vulnerability in sharing about your process of abandonment. God is going to fill all of your spaces and I can’t wait to see all of the intimacy that will come from your deep commitment to Him!