Daily Devotional for August 15, 2017
Making Sacrifices
As Dr. Jensen talked about his work as a missionary, Karl wondered what it would be like to move to a different country to serve God. Dr. Jensen described it as Jesus giving him such a deep love for the people in that country that he had to move there, but Karl didn’t know if he’d ever be able to make such a big sacrifice, even if God wanted him to.
Karl listened intently as Dr. Jensen told a story about fixing a truck with the help of his thirteen-year-old son, Joel. “We didn’t have the right tools, and Joel came up with one crazy idea after another. Just when we were about to give up, the engine roared to life! We were so thankful God gave Joel an idea that actually worked.”
On the way home from church, Karl brought up the truck story. “It’s too bad they don’t have better tools to work with, isn’t it?” He grinned at his dad. “You should have been there with all your tools, Dad. You have tools to fix just about anything!”
Over the next few days, Karl often thought about Dr. Jensen’s lack of tools. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to do something to help. I have some money saved up I could use, he thought, but then I won’t have money for a new bike.
Karl tried to forget it, but he couldn’t, so he decided to talk to his dad about it. “Dad, do you think God wants me to buy tools for the missionaries with my bike money? Could I get what they need with the amount I have?”
“Well, I can buy tools at discount prices, so it would buy quite a few,” Dad replied. “Is that what you think God wants you to do?”
Karl nodded. “Getting a new bike can wait.” As he spoke, Karl realized he was ready to make a sacrifice to help the missionaries. It’s not as big as moving to a foreign country, he thought. But I think I’m beginning to understand how Jesus can make you care about someone enough that you’re willing to make sacrifices for them. He smiled at his dad. “Let’s go pick out some tools!” – Esther M. Bailey
How about you?
Do you know anyone who’s made a big sacrifice to serve God? Have you ever made a sacrifice to help someone? Jesus loves us so much He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for us, and He wants us to make sacrifices for others so we can show them His love. Ask Jesus to help you make sacrifices for others—whether big or small—so you can show them His love.
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