Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  (NKJV)

Wow, think about how these words would have impacted a Jew hearing Paul say them ~ what a powerful metaphor because during this time animal sacrifices were still being made twice a day in the Temple in Jerusalem!  These people understood the depth of what Paul was saying.  Paul’s message over and over to Christians was to be conformed to who Jesus is and here He was really telling them that because of the grace extended to us because of His death on the cross that the least we should desire to do is to lay our lives down for Him to use however He sees fit.  In other words ~ let go of your agenda and what you believe to be important in your life and take it all to Him and allow Him to do whatever He sees fit.  

Remember that rich young ruler who Jesus told to sell everything he had and give it to the poor and follow Him and the young man went away sad because that was just too much in his mind because he was very wealthy?  Well, I am not suggesting that you have to do that today unless God put it on your heart, I do know people who have in order to go overseas to become missionaries, but first things first.  The question is, what is it that you hold so dear that you just have a death-grip on it and you are afraid that if you give it to God it will just be too much ~ is it your children, your job, your money, your house, or maybe control ~ too often some people feel that if  they aren’t in control then the entire world as we know it will crumble?  LET GO!!!  As silly as it may sound until you do it, when you let it all go all of the heartaches,  the agendas, your children, your money, position, your job, and even “control” that is when you will really begin to experience His best ~ His peace, joy, comfort, His love and grace for everything that comes your way, and His contentment.  That doesn’t mean that He is going to take your house, or any of the rest of what means so much to you, it means that He is free to help you use all that He has given you for His glory!  The world we live in is totally upside down when it comes to what is right and wrong. It is like it was during the days of the Judges when everyone decided for themselves what was right and wrong, that didn’t work out so well for their nation… So there will be good times and hard times ahead but what you cling to will make a difference.  Will you cling to Him or something you feel is more important or comfortable?  

So, how do you begin realistically?  Just like anything else…. One thing at a time.  Ask Him to show you what His dreams and plans are for your life and what He feels is holding you back and start with just that one simple thing and then the next thing and the next.  He will show you how to use what He has given you and what is a stronghold in your life.  He loves you so you can always trust that He will do what is best.  This is how the Messianic Jewish Rabbis interpret Romans 12: 1-2. “I exhort you, therefore, brothers, in view of God’s mercies, to offer yourselves as a sacrifice, living and set apart for God.  This will pease Him; it is the logical “Temple worship” for you.  In other words, do not let yourselves be conformed to the standards of this world.  Instead, keep letting yourselves be transformed by the renewing of your minds; so that you will know what God wants and will agree that what He wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed.”

It is about taking one day at a time and one step at a time and being intentional in growing in your walk with Him, not allowing anything or anyone to stand in the way.  It is growing in trust.  We don’t fully trust if we aren’t willing to give Him everything.  I will be honest, it is not always easy, sometimes it’s painful, and it can be scary to let go of control (what do we really actually control anyhow?) and yet the grace He gives and the joy of walking with Him and truly getting to know Him is so far beyond anything else we can possibly experience in life.  So, don’t put it off, just take one step today and trust Him with it, one thing at a time.

Quote:  “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”