“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth; I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be many of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” Matt. 10: 34-39
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
Uggh…I am not going to lie, these verses are a tough read for me. But, as I say that, I know deep in my heart, we believers cannot always feed ourselves with “candy” (the delights of God’s word that are easier to swallow). I hope that you will stick with me and consider these verses your “broccoli” for the day. In the end, you will be glad that you digested it. It is a sad truth that the personal sacrifices many believers will make in honor of Christ will hit them where it hurts most…at home. Our families are our life’s greatest treasure, and because of the intimacy that family bonds open us up to; a family can also be the source of the deepest kind of pain. Jesus is addressing the truth of what kind of tenacity is expected of you as a beliver. I want to switch gears for a second—Ask yourself this–How many families do you know that have been torn apart by jealousy, infidelity and greed? If you are struggling with the horrible heart-wrenching pain of rejection from your family because of your belief in Christ, let me comfort you with this thought: Is there a better reason to be ostracized? God sees your pain, your sacrifice and your isolation. He will provide all the love and the comfort you need to move beyond your loss. He is also such a great God that He will give you a hope to look to the future and new friends and family that He has hand-picked just for you! Trust God and know that you are not alone. You are one of many children of God that is suffering for a cause that is worth the sacrifice. By giving up your personal desire to be “happy” and “completely comfortable” here on earth, you are proving yourself worthy to be called a child of God. Now, I consider THAT a family upgrade!
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Oh, thank you for addressing the truth of what it takes to truly follow you. This verse shows all believers that the fight is real and it is not just “in the world”. This fight will take place in the privacy of our own homes. Lord, cover my house and my family with your blessing. Protect every member from the deception and lies of the enemy. Help me to keep myself together as I choose you over all: My brother, sister, mother, father…all of my blood and heart relations. I give you first place in my life, as I trust that you will eventually lead the ones to you who are angry at me right now for making that choice. I do this because I love you. I know you love me (and all of my family) because of the sacrifice of your only Son, Jesus. In Jesus’ precious name, I will keep my eyes on you, Amen.”