It occurred to me today that I’ve heard a lot about the “sandwich” generation. 

I chuckled as I realized that is me!

I take care of my 4-year-old grandchild, and now I have my 94-year-old mother living with me!

I am finding that there isn’t a lot of difference in the assistance I give in each situation, except the diapers are different sizes (Praise God, my 4-year-old is now potty trained)!

Each requires that I rely upon the same Biblical principles and truths.

I must deny myself, surrender myself, completely, to Jesus, and to His leading: “And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”  Mark 8:34.

What is Jesus asking in Mark 8:34? He is asking that we submit to His authority, obeying all He commands.

Each day, moment by moment, I remind myself that I am a servant of Jesus Christ, like Jude stated regarding himself in Jude 1. A servant submits to his or her master’s authority.

Many people might feel burdened by this call to denial of oneself, but it is actually a blessing. It is a blessing because when a person is a Christ follower, there is no greater joy than being under Christ’s authority. That is the intent of Jesus in Mark 8:34. 

Many people wrongly believe that Jesus is asking us to forgo anything that we might desire to do, for a life that is unexciting and dangerous. Don’t believe it! The truth is, following God is the most exciting path, and the safest path.  How can it be safe when we might be physically persecuted? It is because God goes with us through it all, and takes us into eternal life.

When a person is in a vibrant relationship with the living God, giving up any earthly desires for His eternal desires, cannot be surpassed by anything this world offers.

Why would I not want to deny myself to follow Him? What could possibly be better than subjecting my life to His eternal hand of blessing?

I cannot think of any valid reason to feel threatened by Jesus’ call to follow Him. Are you threatened by God’s call to deny yourself to follow His authority? If so, why does this cause you trepidation?

Jesus gave His life to follow His Father. 

That entailed the worst experience any person could have, and for the Son of God, it was the worst experience He could go through. He, for all eternity, had never been separated from His Father, our great loving Father God. He denied Himself and did so willingly, obediently, with love and respect for His Father. 

We should be willing to do the same.

I am absolutely blessed as I follow Christ in this work He leads me in. I cannot imagine a better job than to care for my grandchild. We laugh together. We cry together. We have a very special relationship. I am so grateful.

I am also blessed to care for my mother. We’ve not always had a close relationship, but God has sustained it, and I am grateful to serve Him as I care for her.

In each relationship I am able to share Jesus, through the reading of His word, and specifically talking about the great Gospel of Jesus. 

I am certainly being refined! 

I’m not saying this is easy. No, it is not. There are days when I take two naps, and then need to go to bed early.

But God blesses me with His presence, and that is the best experience of all.

The gift of experiencing God enabling me to do this work for Him is humbling. I find myself with tears of gratitude for His goodness shown me in practical ways.

I want to challenge you to walk with Christ. 

I want to challenge you to let His desires become your desires.

I want to challenge you not to limit what you do based upon your preconceived ideas of what you think you can handle. God can enable you to do far more than you think.

God can enable you to stay awake when you are tired.

God can enable you to be patient when you want to vent.

God can enable you to do everything He asks you to do. 

 The warning, do only what He asks, not what you want to do.

Trust God.

Lean not upon your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him.

He wants to, and will, direct your path for His glory and honor.

Proverbs 3:1-12 provides us with great guidance when we are involved in following the Lord:

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.” [Do you hear what those words from God are promising? Eternal life comes when we walk with God.] 

“Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.” [Our priority is faithfulness to God, and then God is glorified and we are blessed.] 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” [This is not a promise of an easy life, but a life of walking intimately with God.] 

“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.” [Please note the exhortations in these words, with the promised result when obeyed.] 

“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”  [We need to remember that God created this world, and everything belongs to Him. We make that clear when we utilize all our resources – homes, cars, clothes, etc. – for His purposes.] 

My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.” [It is good to be corrected by our loving Creator!]

Please contact me if you want to chat about following Christ, as you deny yourself:  ButGodCares@gmail.com.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please feel free to share it with others!

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Copyright 2023 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.