Deconstruction --> Reconstruction

Dear Church,

Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory. Ephesians 3:13

I was scared to be broken and wrecked for the Kingdom.

My fears were illegitimate. I used to think those lies were clever.

Surrender. It is so worth it because it is about His glory filling the people of His kingdom that will never be shaken. His way is perfect.

The more I have chased His glory, the more I have found His humility because of the glory He left to take on servanthood.

Jesus. He left an eternity of perfect, unhindered communion with the Father and the Spirit. Why? He wants us.

Can I not also walk away from imperfect dreams and selfish hopes and prideful intentions for the sake of bringing His kingdom to earth? When I stand before Him at the end of my life, how could I ever regret surrender and obedience? That is the preferred option!

And how could I regret suffering? I am reminded of Paul.

"...And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:22-24)

Could I presume that he regretted going to Jerusalem because he was beaten there? Absolutely not! He had marks on his body for the rest of his life to remind him of how the Spirit moved in that city.

Suffering was a reason to rejoice. God was using his obedience to bring salvation to many.

And as for us -- we have been crucified with Christ. Anything that we could sacrifice has been trumped by what He sacrificed on our behalf, gracing us with all the reward that He deserved in His perfection. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. You will not be disappointed.