Indeed, I count everything as a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, so that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Ephesians 3:8-10
The Beauty Of Total Dependence
“Abdul” is a real person. Not long ago, I heard him speak to our church and a small group about his life and the amazing things God has done to him and through him.
It was amazing to hear how he was once in training to become a martyr for Islam, but through his reading of the Bible and the conviction of his heart, he believed in the love of God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
He told how he had lost his wife and three sons because of his choice. He spoke of how his family and his wife’s family refused to be with him, and they had threatened his life.
But he said that the love of God in his heart for the suffering in his country compelled him to give God’s love by helping orphans and others affected by his country’s thirty years of war.
He said that because of God’s love, he still loves his family and those who have tried to kill him, even his enemies.
He said it might appear that he has lost everything, but he has gained what can never be taken away—the love of God through Jesus Christ, His Son.
He said this life is only a vapor; our life here is very short compared to living eternally with God.
As Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”
Listening to Abdul, I’m reminded of Jesus's words: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
I’ve realized just how different my walk with Jesus is from the life experienced by most of my brothers and sisters around the world, especially in those countries that are hostile to Christianity.
The challenges I face pale in comparison to the costs that they know. I may lose a possible friend or business deal because of my stand for Christ, but there’s no real risk of losing my life.
I was convicted by the things that I worry about, which have nothing to do with advancing the love of Jesus Christ to a world in desperate need of the hope we have in Him.
I question why God placed Abdul in such dangerous conditions while I live in the luxury of safety.
Abdul also spoke about his dependence on Jesus to supply his every need—from the funds and the food to care for his children to his safety.
I realized then how blessed he was to live in such total dependence upon the One who keeps him. I saw how dependent I’d become on myself and on the resources God had given me instead of truly relying on God Himself as my all-sufficiency.
I realized I’d been assessing my life from a secular worldview, not from God’s view.
The ultimate reality is that God is our Creator and the One who loves us. He delights in His children, regardless of where He has placed them or the conditions in which they find themselves.
We know there’s a blessing in every trial and tribulation because those situations lead us toward resting in His loving safety.
There’s much more to life than the time we spend here in this world.
The only authentic living we can experience is through the life Jesus Christ has given us and now lives through us here on earth. And when we give up our grasp on everything we hold dear in this life, He gives us new life that will never be separated from Him, both here on earth and in heaven with Him forever.
He is our treasure that never depletes.
How have your circumstances affected your walk with Christ?
How might Christ influence and infuse your walk with Him?
Lord, may we see You have placed us where we are so that You might shine Your love and give hope to others through us. Amen