What Ever It Takes - I Will Make the Sacrifice

“What Ever It Takes”
I Will Make the Sacrifice

“…For I have seen the Angel of the Lord face to face
…Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die” – Judges 6:22-23

In order for you to understand this morning’s meditation, including the title and the extractions of this particular scripture, I must provide background information.  Not truly knowing all the details of my family history, I provide facts based on limited knowledge from what the elders have shared with me.  Journey with me!  

My great grandparents bore around nineteen children, approximately eleven of which were females.  Each of these women, with the exception of two, birthed five or more children with the average number being seven.  My grandmother was one of two having one single living child though she was pregnant twice.  My grandmother and eight of her sisters died from cardiovascular complications.  Diabetes claimed one life and the last of the children was tragically killed by her own child.  My mother; along with many of her first cousins were also stricken with the same cardiovascular and diabetic illnesses which claimed some of their lives.  

Today I am reminded not of the illnesses that claimed the lives of my loved ones.  Not of the disease that sought to kill and destroy me, my siblings, my children or nieces and nephews.  Instead I stand reminded of the eight year old Stacie who told God, “Whatever you desire of me I will do.  Where ever you desire for me to go I will go.”  This proclamation before God has made the difference in my life over and over again.  I have made many sacrifices and surrendered my mind, body and soul to the Lord time and time again.  My life is an example, not by what I say alone but by how I live.  My children, their children’s children and generations to come will not suffer the ills of my grandmother’s generation because of my daily sacrifice.  

It may sound simple but the example I set comes through the sacrifice to do what historically has not been done in my family.  Fasting and praying alone are not enough.  Faith alone is not enough.  But we must LIVE by the word of God which provides wisdom, knowledge and understanding to those who diligently seek it.  

It did not take much for me to decide that I would not live a sedentary life.  It did not take much for me to decide that I would exercise.  It did not take much for me to decide to consider what I ingest into my body.  It did not take much to realize smoking was not for me.  It did not take much for me to realize the afflictions of my families past did not have to be the afflictions of the future.  I bless God for the wisdom to apply the word to my life and the heart to sacrifice those things that please the flesh.  Make the decision today to make a sacrifice that will change your life and generations to come.  

PRAYER: Most loving and gracious God my Father, I pray for each person reading this meditation.  I pray that you will bless them to make a change in their lives.  I pray that you will touch their hearts.  Lord, give them strength.  Lord, be with them in every decision they make.  Lord, allow them to no longer accept mediocrity in living but allow them to see the importance of maintaining the temple that they may live life abundantly.  I pray all these things in faith and bless you in advance for it is so, Amen.