I can’t believe I’m here right now.
The ocean is lapping soft against the sand just below my bedroom window. We drove up last night to Whidbey Island, to join the World Vision and Thomas Nelson crew in the filming of a DVD curriculum for Richard Stearns’ new book. Yes, Richard Stearns, the man who wrote The Hole in Our Gospel and who–by the power of God’s Spirit–completely ruined my ordinary life.
I’ll be forever grateful.
Grateful that God inspired Stearns to write the words, “What’s in your hand?” To cause me to look down and take inventory of exactly what God had entrusted to me, that I could lay down at His feet in worship. I’m so grateful God equipped him to share the stories of children–millions of them–all beloved by God, and dying by the thousands every single day. It was this book that served as the Tipping Point for us, and tipped us over into a life of living head-over-heels for the Kingdom (or at least trying to!). It was more than two years ago, and so much has changed.
Most of all, my heart.
It’s a simple truth, but it bears repeating: Whatever we “give up” for God He always replaces with something so much better.
And by “better” I don’t mean what the world means. Not merely health, wealth, and popularity. Not a bigger house or a higher-paying job, although He might toss that in just for fun.
We give up addiction and we get freedom in return.
We give up an empty pursuit of the American Dream and He gives us the life-changing adventure of the Kingdom-of-God-Dream.
We give up control and He takes us on a wild ride.
We give up our money and He provides for us in intimate, personal, unimaginable ways that woo us, make us dizzy with His love, bring us to our knees.
Really, God? I get to meet the man who you used to influence my life so greatly? I get to stay in a beautiful house on Whidbey Island, with my husband, and discuss the truth of how glorious you are and how you’ve changed our lives? Really?
And more than this. Really, God–we get to live this life, this adventure and watch you do greater and greater things, as you build your Kingdom and proclaim Your glorious gospel here on this earth?
Note to self: Remember this when all you can see if what you’ve left behind.
We all have those times. When all we can see is what we no longer have. Or what we never had but wish we did. Or what we’re asked to give up. When all we can see is the hill ahead and all we can feel are the burning legs and fatigue and Oh God, Why is this adventure so hard?
It is hard. But so worth it.
Because there’s always something better. God can always one-up you. He can always out-give you. He can always out-bless you. And although I am not there yet, I truly believe if we throw ourselves with reckless abandon, at His feet and enlist ourselves in His service, obeying His commands at all cost …
There will be something so much better. Suffering, probably. Loss. But also hope. Strength. Joy. Peace. Abundance.
Life.
(Lose it to find it.)
What is God asking you to give away? Status? Control? A habit? Money? What is there, in your hand, clenched tight with white-knuckled grip?
What would it look like to lose it, give it, let it go? What glorious thing might He have for you? Lose it to find it. There’s always something better.
{Have you read The Hole in Our Gospel yet? Want a free copy? Leave a comment and we’ll pick one reader to receive a copy, but only if you promise to pass it on to another friend when you are finished reading. Deal? Deal! Thanks so much for reading.}
18 thoughts on “Always something better. {Giveaway}”
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I’d love to read this book 🙂 and I can think of numerous people whom I can pass it on to afterwards 🙂
Woo Hoo! Have an amazing time!
I THINK I would like to read it! Life change is always so hard in the beginning!
You are right, though, it is always so good in obedience.
Kari, I have not read this book, but it is so central to the way I’ve learned/am learning to walk with God. I’d love to win a copy. Enjoy your beautiful time at Whidbey Island…I celebrated a dear friend’s 40th there a few years ago. It’s an exquisite place! Xoxo
I know that it is so true to give up something for better things, and no I do not mean better jobs, houses, or the like… I mean to give up a really good job, to sacrifice that life I thought I had to spend the time with my family, and to hopefully still save my marriage. Thank you for sharing and for the opportunity!
This is an AMAZING book! (I’ve read it and pass it along as often as possible)…so excited for you! It wrecked me about 2 years ago too…I have two extra copies so if you want to give 2 more books away today, I’d be happy to pass them your (or their) way!
Would you consider sending it to this tired Canadian mama in need of some inspiration? Sounds like a wonderful book for our moms group. 🙂
I NEED a copy of this book!! This post hit me right where I’m at today. Sometimes living and serving on the mission field is exactly how you thought it would be, and other days leave you yearning for family, familiar rhythms of life in the states…questioning all the things you “gave up” in order to go serve. Thanks for sharing this today…and here’s hoping I win a copy of this book!! 🙂
Have a great trip!! I have been thinking about you a lot lately and praying you guys!!
I have had this book on my TO READ list for sooo long and want to read it!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Beautiful post, it perfectly captures what God has been putting on my heart for the last year or so. He’s moving in His Church! And He’s making us love-sick worshippers, ready to lay it all down for His name. I’d love to read this book, but even if I don’t win it I’ll figure out another way to get my hands on a copy 😉
Beauty! Filling in the hole! I too have not read but need to! Thanks for living it out 🙂
Rest my friend in His grace. Learning it myself:)
Oh, I want to read the book… excited (and a little scared honestly) of how God might use it to change me!
that book sounds fabulous! cartwrightgrace@aol.com
Oh dear Kari, I needed this today. Thank you for the gentle reminder to move forward with what I have in my hands to give, not what I’ve left behind or am missing out on. Thank you for encouraging me right where I am again! Missing you!
When you recommended Crazy Love by Francis Chan this summer, it had a profound impact on me. I haven’t been the same since. I’d love to read this book. Enjoy your time there, it looks beautiful!
I have read it but would love to win it because I don’t own it (checked it out of the library). It is one I would love to own to lend out to others and reference it again and again.
This sounds like a beautiful and challenging read!