40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 32

Focus: A Costly Sacrifice
By Lois Astwood, Africa Mercy

Scripture Reference:

“I’m not going to offer to God, my God, sacrifices that are no sacrifice” (2 Samuel 24:24e).

Devotional:

All of us know that there is a cost involved in following Christ. We experience this in different ways in our lives. Those involved in Mercy Ships have all offered something to Him.

Many are aware that, during this stage in Mercy Ships, the cost seems to have been raised. More seems to be required of us as we face change, loss, delays, and frustrations.

The challenge I face is, how much am I really willing to give? Am I willing, as David was, to give what really costs me?

As I look back over the years, I recognize times when the cost has been truly great. Times when I have struggled and cried at the cost of the sacrifice I have been asked to make in order to be obedient to Him. But, as I look at my life day by day, is there the same willingness to sacrifice to the point where I feel the pain of the cost involved?

In this Scripture, we read of David, who could have taken the easy road with his sacrifice. He was given the opportunity to sacrifice at a much lesser cost to himself, yet he chose to make the full sacrifice, deeming it the least he could offer his God.

The words of a song come to mind:
Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be;

For it’s only in Your will that I am free.

All of my ambitions, hopes, and plans,
I surrender these into Your hands;

Jesus, all for Jesus,
All I am and have and ever hope to be.

Prayer Points:

* Pray that we might grasp the privilege of offering a “costly sacrifice” to Him.

* Pray that we may be willing to lay down our own ambitions, hopes, and plans.

* Pray that we may daily count the cost and offer our sacrifices to Him as a sweet smelling savor.