8^th March 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: TRADING CONTROL FOR ABUNDANCE

THEME SCRIPTURE: “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39).

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why must we lose our lives for His sake if we want to find it?

Jesus’ words flip conventional wisdom: clinging to safety drains life; surrendering to His purpose ignites it. We exhaust ourselves guarding comfort, status, or control—only to find them hollow. Yet when we release our grip, we discover a life brimming with eternal weight. As missionary Jim Elliot wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Profound!

Precious one, we must never forget: “The wisest are not the ones with the most years in their lives, but the most life in their years.” 

Holding on breeds fear: We ration love, delay risks, and mute our calling in Christ to avoid loss. However, letting go fuels freedom. Yeah, surrender isn’t defeat—it’s trading temporary security for divine adventure. Like a seed falling to the earth (John 12:24), dying to self unlocks growth we never imagined.  

There's no life but by death; there's no victory but by faith. Without risk, there is no reward. If we have to live, we must live boldly and abundantly, and only God is big enough to be our coach on such a trip.

What must the believer in Christ do to live boldly and abundantly, trading control for that which is eternal?

Name Your Clutch: There are some areas of our lives we get really uncomfortable when we are not in charge. It could be your finances, your marriage, your career, etc.  Identify that one area you’re white-knuckling and pray. Pray: “Jesus, I release ___. Use it for Your glory.”

Additionally, take a leap of faith: This week, say “yes” to a God-prompted risk—serve sacrificially, forgive deeply, or speak truth boldly.  

Thirdly, be conscious of progress: Take note of how your surrender is shifting your perspective. Where did obedience bring unexpected joy?

Beloved, today, reach out to someone- friend, loved one, etc- saying: “I’m choosing faith over fear. Join me?”

Time slips. Eternity beckons. Don’t settle for a life measured by years, but rather one measured by surrender. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer urged, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” In that death, you’ll finally live.

FURTHER READING: Ecclesiastes 2:17–26

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. What is the difference between living long and really living? Or living and making a living?

2. Why do many people want to live for the mere sake of prolonging existence?

PRAYER

Lord, I confess my addiction to control. Forgive my fear-driven clinging. Today, I release ___ and trust Your plan. I see You making my life a vessel of Your audacious love, in Jesus's precious name. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Luke 22; Numbers 3; Psalm 67