I would die for you

I would die for you!

   What a statement. Have you ever said it? Perhaps when trying to express your love to the one you hope to spend the rest of your life with. It can be said with true conviction or just a phrase expressing great affection.

   Have you ever said it to God? Peter did.

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.”    Luk 22:31-33 

   Peter was speaking with good intention but spoke from a worldly view not seeing Jesus was not asking him to stand up alone against Satan, but rather to surrender to God’s will in ministry.

   We often think God wants us to be willing to die for Him but God doesn’t desire us to die for Him, He wants us to die to Him. Physical death is a one time sacrifice but dying to Him is a sacrifice we can make daily. The willingness to run full speed into the enemies camp as Peter seemed willing to do would be short lived. God is not looking for soldiers to stand and fight Satan with fists, strength and intellect, His desire is for us to die to Him each day. Surrender to the leadership of the Lord in our lives and become a willing vessel He can use to reach the lost and minister to the saved.

   I know it demonstrates bravery to declare a willingness to die for a good cause especially the cause of Christ but He wants soldiers willing to follow Him not just die for Him.

   Let our thought process become more about daily surrender rather than a one time sacrifice. Strive to live each day for Christ and not plan to die for the kingdom. He has a wonderful life planned and prepared for each of us and all He asks is simple obedience.