Denying oneself

And Jesus called [to Him] the throng with His disciples and said to them, If anyone intends to come after Me, let him deny himself [forget, ignore, disown, and lose sight of himself and his own interests] and take up his cross, and [joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow with Me [continually, cleaving steadfastly to Me]. Mark 8:34 AMP

How difficult is it for us to deny ourselves? Or as this expanded version of the scripture says, to forget, ignore, disown, lose sight of ourselves and our interests? The Message Bible puts it this way,

Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat. Mark 8:34a The Message

I had an interesting conversation with one of my daughters this week. She was determined to attain a certain role. The challenge was that she had very little control over whether she gained the role. In talking about it with her I suggested that she surrender the whole idea and process to God and trust Him for the right outcome. And that if this role didn't work out, there would be other opportunities in the future.

Well, that answer didn't sit well with her, she responded something like, "No Mum, I want this role, I am not going to just pray and let God decide." My heart went out to her, how honest she was.

We then had a little conversation about the desires of our heart, where they come from and what happens to them when we wait for God's timing.

[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. Philippians 2:13 AMP

God has put those desires in our heart, and He has given us the gifts and talents to support those desires. We just have to be patient and stay close to Him.

Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Psalm 37:4 AMP

She wasn't completely convinced, but we prayed and she went to sleep. 

The next morning, she said to me, 'You know Mum, if I don't get that role, I am going to act like I have it anyway.' 

Yes! God had done a work in her heart over night, and now she knew that the 'role' wasn't an end in itself, it was the attitude with which she went about her daily life that mattered. She didn't need to be given the 'role' to use the gifts and talents God had bestowed on her. 

Look what happens when we deny ourselves - God can work in our heart and then more effectively use us for His purposes. What a great reminder this was to me. Thank you Jesus.

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "If any of your wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. Mark 8:34 NLT

Question for today, how are you going at denying yourself and laying down you own interests to ensure they align with God's purpose and plan for your life? It is hard because we do love to be 'in the driver's seat'. I find it is a daily event, sometimes hourly, to relinquish (often very reluctantly) control. But what a blessing when I do, when that beautiful peace of God comes into my life. 

Today, let's ask God to show us what we need to deny and lay down, so He can do what He wants to do in our life today, and live out of His plan and His peace.

Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament), strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it). Hebrews 13:20-21 AMP