Not My Will
. . . saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42) The servant of the Lord is not often tempted to sin but daily tempted to put himself first. If we are enamored with our gifts and concerned about what a blessing we are, we stay babes fit only for drinking and serving milk. We must get to the point where sacrificial living is the norm; only then are we truly set apart by God for His purpose. Once we are "crucified with Christ," the laid-down life is the only one we know, and we resist every temptation to take it up again. Remember, you first must lay your life down to take up His. Self-sympathy is demonic, and it is the archenemy of the Christian worker. People we serve may abandon us, revile us, slander us, and do all manner of evil to us; but the Bible teaches we are blessed when they do! The shield of faith will extinguish every arrow shot at us; and we are to stand...