The Gain Is In The Loss

We have no idea what Christ has for us on the other side of self-denial. Much of what we see in the moment of decision appears to be loss, like God is intent on taking something away from us. He’s cutting into our enjoyment. Disrupting and interrupting all the good stuff we had planned.

But in truth, He is taking away death and corruption. He’s sparing us of guilt, shame, and hardness of heart. He is protecting us and giving us life. Real life.

Losing the life we think we want is necessary before gaining the life He wants us to have—and the one we’d want if we knew better. To deny self is to receive far more than we lose. Far more life and a far better one.