Intentional Sacrifice

     Intentional sacrifice is about making one healthy choice at a time. Earlier this week I chose to run rather than eat a box of chocolates. (You can read about that choice here.) I was able to make that choice through Jesus's strength. I recited some key verses for me, thought about how I would feel in the moment versus how I would feel the next day, and asked myself if it was beneficial. Through His strength I found victory.

     No matter what I'm struggling with-food, miscarriage, difficult people, etc I know what I need. I need more Jesus. I get more Jesus by staying in His Word. No only do I have to be in the Word, but I have to choose to believe it. I have to believe that I'm fearfully and wonderfully made. I have to believe that I'm more than a conqueror through Him. I have to believe that I'm no longer living under condemnation. Reading and meditating is not enough; I must have faith.

     Prayer is an important part of this too. I have to ask Him to be the portion that I need. Whatever that portion may be~strength, self-control, peace. He wants to be that portion, but He also wants me to ask. I'm finding these days I'm having a lot of little conversations with God throughout the day. I'm also thanking Him in advance for what I'm asking which helps my faith grow. Because I'm saying, "Lord I know You are this portion for me. You are enough for me."

     Thinking about the consequences beyond the moment is helping me as well. I know how I'll feel immediately, but what about 10 minutes from now, 2 hours from now, tomorrow? I've been asking myself a lot, "Is this beneficial?". A lot of things are permissible, but not a lot are beneficial.

     Documenting small victories is important especially in times of discouragement. You can look back and remember where God brought you from. It boosts your faith and helps give you courage that if He's brought you this far, He's more than enough to help you reach your goal or conqueror that sin in your life.

     One healthy choice at at time. One Scripture at a time. One prayer at a time.  One small victory at a time leads to being an overcomer. A conqueror. It leads to walking in freedom from sin and struggles.

"All things are permissible for me"' but not all things are beneficial. 

"All things are permissible for me" but I will not be mastered by anything.

I Corinthians 6: 12

"in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

Romans 8:37