BREAK FROM MARRIAGE SERIES #2 Give It Up?

As I mentioned yesterday, I am still waiting for people to share their responses regarding personal definitions of love and respect.  So, in lieu of a blank writing for the day, I felt the Lord wanting me to write on the subject, titled, "Give It Up?" :)

This is again rather a sensitive subject for some, am I right?  There are two bible stories that really appeal to this topic.  The first story is about a rich young ruler who did not want to give up his wealth. The story can be found in Matthew 19: 16-26. The other story is regarding a poor woman who gave her last two copper coins to the temple.  That story can be found in Mark 12:41-44.  I highly suggest reading the two stories at your leisure.  The message in both are very striking and worth remembering. 

Have you ever found yourself in situations where you tell yourself, there is no way I am giving this or that up for anything!  Either, you feel something to the effect of "Oh well, I can't give that up.  I was born like that!" Or, maybe you are thinking, "If I give that up, then what am I supposed to do in my life to keep me busy!?"  Maybe, you do not want to give up a bad job because you feel that it’s the only way you will make money!  Or you might be thinking like the rich man and refuse to give up your money because you’re so used to having it.

Well, let me play the part of the Angel when the Angel and the Devil are having a debate in your head regarding the previous questions one may have.  The Angel says, as an answer to the statement of being born with it, "You were born however God made you. Therefore, have faith that He allowed you to be in the predicament you are currently in.  
Have faith and ask the Lord to help you and guide you where He wants you to go. Have faith He will give you strength.  You just need to ask Him.” 

As an answer to not having anything to do the Angel would probably say, "Never wonder or worry that you will have nothing to do if you give something up.  Never worry that something aside from the love of God will fill that empty void you think you will be missing if you give something up, that which is temporary. Trust that God may have another plan or have something else in store for you.  And, trust that God may want you to give up something because it is His way of showing the plan he has for you.  Trust, that when God feels you are ready for what you are told to give up, God will let you have it again."  

For giving up your “bad” job, the Angel might say, " The Lord will give you another job or he won't.  We must trust and have faith in what His plan is for you. Don't worry about money, Trust that God will provide."

About money and getting too attached to it, the Angel might say,

"For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."  (1 Timothy 6:10 NASB) 

You can't take money with you after you die. 

“For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.” (1 Timothy 6:7 NASB)

I'll tell you my thoughts.  Well, I know I have to think probably more than twice before agreeing to give things up. The poor woman who gave all she had to the temple really should be the ultimate example that the children of God should follow.  I can definitely imagine how difficult it was for this poor woman.  But she did it and gave her everything to God.  Do you ever feel like sometimes Jesus is saying to your heart to give up something that means everything to you?  What do you do?  Do you immediately dispose of the act or doing?  To be honest, I know I definitely don't have a rapid reaction to be obedient when faced with that challenge.

I want to share two examples that I always remember and try to let their examples be a source of extreme encouragement to me when I know I should give up something, yet have a difficult time being obedient.  Both the men in my examples knew in their hearts they needed to give something up because it was really hindering their relationship with God.  They both loved sports, football especially.  But, they noticed this, and nobody told them.  They were aware of what their love for the game of football was doing to them.  My one friend told me something to the affect of his love for football was periodically ruining his relationship with God.  His obedience was diminishing.  I was so encouraged when he told me he just had to give it up.   One can imagine what the love of sports may do to people. Our competitive drive can be quite powerful.

Everyone who is a child of God may be asked by The Lord to give something up.  We may not want to do it for several reasons.  I am sure there are many more reasons or struggles we have than what was mentioned above.  However, the bottom line is, we have to be obedient and GIVE IT UP TO THE LORD!