By Dianna Hobbs // Faith // EEW Magazine Online

My husband, Kenya, and I, since our youth, have been passionate about sacrificing our lives in service to God’s Kingdom. When we wed in January 1998, our meager means only allowed a two-day makeshift honeymoon in a hotel just a breath away from home. After that was over, we dove headfirst into the relentless tides of work, family, and ministry.

Kenya, who had recently accepted a position at a nonprofit, was doing meaningful work he deeply loved. But financial trials arose, and the organization grappled with budget cuts so severe that they could no longer meet payroll. Kenya's full-time labor was compensated with part-time wages.

In that moment, our grasp of how service intertwines with sacrifice started to form.

Several years later, when our four children were still very young, the Lord called me to homeschool and integrate Christ’s teachings into their standard curriculum. While Kenya and I both agreed on this strategy, others outside our home weren’t so convinced.

At the time, homeschooling was far less understood, particularly among African Americans. It was a venture into uncharted territory—no one in my immediate family or social circle had ever done this. Loved ones expressed their concerns, and I wrestled with my own insecurities. There were questions and doubts—what about socialization? Social skills? Friend groups? Normalcy? Activities?

Yet, despite the uncertainty and the voices that spoke of all our children could potentially miss out on, we obeyed God. I chose to stay at home, forsaking the potential income from my college degree to invest in our children's education and spiritual formation. It was a decision that rooted them deeply in the principles of Scripture—a foundation they would not have received in public school. Today, by the grace of God, they are adults thriving spiritually, academically, and socially.

Sometimes, I think we grapple with decisions because we get too fixated on our losses—on what we must relinquish—and we lose sight of the gains that await us. We proclaim that “Only what you do for Christ will last,” yet our hearts can wrestle with the pull toward self-centeredness and the pursuit of personal satisfaction. But the Lord calls for those who are willing to trust Him to surrender all in pursuit of Him.

The Rich Young Ruler

I’m remind of the story of the rich young ruler—a tale that unfolds in the pages of Mark 10. This account, also found in Matthew 19 and Luke 18, is a poignant and significant episode in the Gospels, so much so that it is recounted by three of the four evangelists. It's not a parable, not a mere teaching device, but a real-life encounter between Jesus and a living, breathing individual—a person like you and me.

This young man, who held a position of influence and wealth, approached Jesus with a question that burns in the heart of many: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Jesus, knowing the man's heart, listed commandments familiar to any devout Jew. But the young ruler was looking for more, insisting he had kept all these since his youth. Then, Jesus, peering deep into the soul of this man, delivered a challenge that exposed the true barrier to his spiritual inheritance: "One thing you lack," He said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

Clinging to the Inferior

It was an invitation to exchange the temporary for the eternal, the earthly for the heavenly. But the rich young ruler, naive to the fact that he was clinging to the inferior when God was offering the superior, could not accept the invitation. He was so attached to his earthly abundant wealth that he unwittingly forfeited what was far greater: spiritual abundant life. The Bible tells us he went away sad because he had great wealth.

This encounter is a stark reminder to all of us of the dangers of misplaced attachments. It illustrates that what we often cling to the tightest can be the very things preventing us from grasping the true riches that God offers. The rich young ruler didn't realize that in keeping his wealth, he was losing an opportunity to invest in a treasure that would outlast and outshine all his earthly possessions.

Floodgates of Blessings

When we release our desires, God opens the floodgates of His blessings—blessings that far surpass anything we could amass on our own.

Let me remind you of the words of Jesus Himself, who said in Matthew 19:29, verbatim: "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life."

This profound promise underscores the immense value of our sacrifices when they are made for the sake of Christ. Sacrifice and service open floodgates of blessings.

Perhaps today, this word is for someone who feels the weight of discouragement, questioning why the road has been hard despite their faithfulness. But I posit that the road has been hard because of your faithfulness. Listen, Jesus promises in Mark 10 that with sacrifices come rewards and persecution.

He guarantees that there will be troubles, trials, and struggles. But the reward is greater than the struggle. Let us not forget the promise of Romans 8:18, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us."

And I reckon that the loneliness you've endured is not worthy to be compared with the fellowship and joy that await you in His presence. And I reckon that the tears you've shed in the secret place are not worthy to be compared with the laughter and dancing that will mark your days to come.

And I reckon that the misunderstandings you've faced are not worthy to be compared with the clarity and vindication that will be yours. And I reckon that the financial lack you've experienced is not worthy to be compared with the riches of His provision that will overflow your storehouses.

And I reckon that the dreams you've surrendered are not worthy to be compared with the destiny He has fashioned for you, tailor-made and far exceeding your grandest visions. And I reckon that what you give up is not worthy to be compared with what God will give you!

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Consider the profound faith Abraham demonstrated in Genesis 22, as he prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah. God never was going to allow Abraham to spill the blood of his own son. This was simply a model of faith, a poignant prelude to the ultimate sacrifice yet to come—thus, the ram caught in the thicket that would be sacrificed in Isaac’s stead.

This act foretold the selfless offering of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who gave Himself as the sacrificial payment for our sins—substitutionary atonement. Christ, the innocent, spotless one, became the substitute for sinners by being penalized in our place. Christ died to satisfy the justice of God and allow us to escape punishment.

Talk about sacrifice! But look at the rewards. Not only did He die to pay for the redemption of all mankind, but He rose on the third day with all power. Jesus’ obedience and sacrifice resulted in the amazing blessing of Philippians 2:9: “ Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Need I say more?

Follow Jesus’ example. In releasing our will, we encounter God's superior plan. As we let go of self-centered goals, God releases His supernatural provisions.

By releasing our earthly blueprints, we align with God's predestined design. Surrendering our comforts invites faith's miracles. Relinquishing personal agendas ushers us into God's greater purpose. Giving up control reveals God's sovereignty, His higher ways, and perfect timing. In releasing what is temporary, we secure our eternal inheritance in Christ.

Release to Receive

God sent me to tell you, “Release to receive.” He has more for you, but you must let go of what you want, and accept His will.

Release your preferences, so God can unleash His promises. Release your goals, so He can shower you with goodness. Ditch doubts for His assurance, worries for His peace, struggles for His strength, and limitations for His boundless power.

Persevere in trust, in pressing on, in declaring God's promises, and in focusing on the heavenly.

Colossians 3:1-2 ESV, which God placed on my heart to stir as the sweetener in your cup of inspiration, says: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, may you find fortitude in letting go, embrace God's infinite love, and step into the resurrection promise of renewed life and hope.

Let us pray: God, as I remember the greatest sacrifice—Christ’s death and resurrection that led to my redemption—help me to lay down my life for You. In releasing, I welcome the true riches of Your love, peace, joy, and the fruit of my faith and Your favor. I open my heart to receive, as You open the floodgates of blessings of Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.