Modern people would like to think there’s no sacrifice or compromise needed in anything. We would all like to be able to choose what we like and be perpetually happy. No sadness or sacrifices, instead, we want a happy ending in everything. But that’s not how life works. We can’t oust sadness no matter how much we’d like that. There is no such a thing as life on-demand.

We all know everyone’s life is touched by sadness. It might be loneliness, infertility or joblessness. Or death, dying, divorce, you name it. Life on demand is wishful thinking. Instead, we need real hope, real help, real life.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5, NRSV,*)

Life on-demand

The ultimate sacrifice of Jesus was a game-changer. Because of it, we are able to embrace life as it comes, sadness and all. Not because we necessarily love it but because it will not swallow us when we are in Jesus.

We’re able to face tragedies because we know we are on Victor’s side, we know Jesus can use everything for our good. And, most of all, we know this life is not all. Even though some of our dreams will go unanswered in this life, we trust God knows what’s best for us in the long run.

When we have surrendered our lives to Jesus, we are not in a position to demand anything. Life on-demand changes into life on-surrender. It might sound like surrender is the end of all fun and laughter but, actually, it is the ticket to joy and bliss. When we give the choice to Jesus, we receive the best of best. Even in sadness.

Dear God,
Forgive us for our demands.
Instead, we surrender to you and ask for your will to happen in our lives.
We give our dreams to you and trust you will give the best for us even though we might not always understand it.
Stand with us, Lord.
Uplift, guide, and bless us according to your plan for you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Would you like to have life on-demand? Or are you happy with life on-surrender?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you embrace Jesus and all he is and has for you!

Photo by Jason Yoder on Unsplash. Linking up today with sFive-minute Friday.