“How much longer do I have to wait? What else am I supposed to do?” Imagine being told that to receive what you desire most; you’d need to give up everything you’ve spent years building. Most of us would probably think, “Uh, I don’t think so!” Our minds struggle with the idea of letting go of something so dear to us for something of greater value. We often want to hold on to everything while still gaining more. But life doesn’t typically offer that luxury.
In Matthew 19:20 (NLT), a young man approaches Jesus, asking, “What else must I do?” He’s been keeping the commandments but is still searching for more to secure his spot in eternal life. In Matthew 19:21 j(NLT), Jesus hits him with a challenge: “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Jesus challenges the young man to sell his possessions and give to the poor. It’s a powerful moment that shows true discipleship isn’t just about rules; it’s about sacrifice.
This exchange reminds us that sometimes to gain what really matters, we’ve got to let go of what we hold tight. The Word teaches us that to get more, we first have to take care of what God has already blessed us with. And we need the wisdom to know when it’s time to let go of certain things.
It’s crucial to remind ourselves of what Scripture says when we’re praying for what we want. One powerful reminder is in Romans 10:17 (NLT), “faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Our Heavenly Father has given us His Word, and when someone drops just the right verse into your life, it can change everything—that’s the power of God’s Word. We’ve got to recognize that it’s God who orchestrates those moments. Trust that His timing is always on point because He doesn’t miss a beat. He knows how to set up those perfect encounters right when we need them.
However, just like the young man who had the encounter with Jesus and then walked away sad away after Jesus hit him with some hard truth, many of us do the same thing. We often shy away from those uncomfortable truths, especially when it pertains to sacrifice and obedience. It’s not easy to face what we need to let go of, but that’s where real growth happens.
Comfort is what we cling to, but God calls us to break free from that mindset because life doesn’t work like that. Sometimes, we’ve got to push through the discomfort to truly receive God’s blessings. Sacrifice isn’t just about giving up something; it’s about choosing to let go of what feels safe for something greater that God has in store for us. It’s in those moments of stepping out in faith that we discover what we’re truly capable of and how much more God wants to pour into our lives.
It’s in the struggle that we truly see God’s love shining through. The Apostle Paul had a serious problem and sought the Lord three times about. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT), our Heavenly Father responded and said to him, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Paul then tells us, “That’s why I’m glad to boast about my weaknesses—so that the power of Christ can work through me.” The apostle understood that God’s grace is a strategy for our lives, transforming our weaknesses into opportunities for His strength to shine. Instead of being discouraged by his struggles, Paul embraced them, knowing that they made room for God to move in powerful ways. It’s a reminder that our challenges aren’t just setbacks; they’re setups for God to display His glory in our lives.
Consider a single woman who has been on her own for a long time—perhaps she’s been married and divorced or has children. Once we settle into a certain groove in life, it’s tough to break free from those routines and habits we’ve built over time. But if she desires marriage, she has to show a willingness to let go of certain habits and attitudes. It’s about being ready to care for another heart. It takes opening up to new possibilities and recognizing that when someone new enters our lives, it means sacrifice on a whole other level. It’s our responsibility to make space for this.
“What else must I do?” This question may look different for each of us, but it’s definitely one we need to bring to God. Our next chapter often requires more from us. Soul-searching to figure out which aspect of Christ we need to embody in a greater way and which habits or attitudes we need to let go of is a must. It’s not a burden; it’s a privilege. With each step we take, we get closer to the person we’re meant to be, and to the plans God has for our lives. Instead of feeling sad like the young man did when he faced that hard truth, we should be more committed to praying, studying God’s Word, and releasing whatever holds us back. Increasing our faith in these ways helps us grow and opens the door to the blessings waiting for us.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“What Else Must I Do?” written by Kim Times, edited by Rev. Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.