As I spent some quite time this morning, pondering all that’s going on in my life I am increasingly aware of the sacrifices it takes for me to do what God’s called me to do. Now don’t get me wrong. I love doing what God has called me too however it does take great sacrifice to be satisfied.

God used my Pastor JD, as He often does, to speak to me this past Sunday. So fitting that it was the first message I heard on January 1st 2017. He spoke about surrender, sacrifice, service, and sharing all lead to a satisfying life. WOW! I realized that I do live a surrendered life, at least I make an effort to surrender my life daily. I serve as much as I can. And I can’t stop sharing! That leaves the sacrifice.

I have people tell me regularly how lucky I am to be able to go and to share with others. To have the freedom to be able to do it. Well, I do have the freedom to go but it comes with much sacrifice.

My wife, she endures the burden of our home when I’m gone. Dealing with daily issues, loneliness, household chores, and the list goes on. She covers me with prayer and insures that I feel secure in our marriage so that I can focus on the task at hand.

My company/employees, they have to go about their daily tasks without my encouragement or direction. They are burdened with making sure there’s cash flow to pay the bills, make the payroll, and many times fund the ministry. They are “getting it all done” so that I can focus on what I’m doing and not be absent from where I am due to worry about what’s going on at work.

Personal sacrifice. I love riding a motorcycle but if you’ve ever had to strap on heated gear because you had a 4 hour ride in 20 degree weather or a hydration vest because you have a 4 hour ride in 110 degree weather you’d know it isn’t all wonderful. Even travelling in a camper van so that I can save money and cover more ground is certainly not luxurious. It would be much simpler, much more comfortable to stay home, enjoy my recliner in front of my favorite tv shows. But……but I would never be satisfied.

The Word tells us that the call of God is without repentance (Romans 11:29). In other words my life will never be “satisfied”, I will never be happy if I don’t do what He’s called me to do. I might be able to have an easier life, a more comfortable life, but not a satisfied life!

I am blessed but there is quite a cost and it’s not just a cost I pay, it’s a cost that all those close to me pay however the payoff is knowing that God is using me. He’s using them to get done what He’s called me to do. There’s nothing, nothing, nothing more satisfying than being used by God.

What’s He calling you to do? Are you willing to make the sacrifice? It may be the sacrifice of prayer, time, finances, or the gifts He’s given you. It may be the sacrifice of supporting someone else in their efforts. If you can figure it out, if you’re willing to make whatever sacrifice it is, you will live a satisfied life. I know, it’s happened to me. But keep in mind it’s not all gravy!