Counting the Cost

In talking with a friend today, we were discussing the past...and how as humans we so often bargain with the sovereign God of the universe. 

Basically what it usually has boiled down to in my life is damage control. "Lord, I know I've really messed up here. I know you told me to go left and I went right, and then I walked for 6 years down the path taking every other left when you said right, but I've had a lot of time to think about this (6 years after all...) and I've come to the conclusion that if you just give me this one thing that I want, it would fix everything!"  (and yes, I do think in run on sentences)

And then the Lord does not give us what we want, because what we don't see is that it is actually killing us. Little by little, day by day, we die a little more...

We think we are saving time, pain, heartache, We think we know the cost...but we have no idea.

He's already told us the cost. The wages of sin is death. 

Bear with me friends...Maybe this interpretation is a little simple...but is it? 

1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." 

Why is it that we only ever count what is already spent??

Only the enemy could write a lie like that! Let's be honest...math isn't my favorite subject, but come on!? I've already spent 6 years making this mistake so instead of freedom, I'd like to serve a life sentence?!?!? 

I'm so angry at how effective his deceptions were!!! They almost cost me everything! I'm angry that my rebellion almost cost me my peace! My disobedience almost cost me my future!! 

The enemy might have cost me my past, but my future in Christ is PRICELESS. And it is already paid in full.

And yes, choosing Christ will cost our flesh everything it loves so much, but what a trade! Instead of anxiety, we are promised that when we turn to Him, He will guard our hearts and minds with peace that transcends all understanding (Phillipians 4:7). Instead of death, He gives life to the full! Only He can fill our emptiness. Our own plans never lead us to peace or life...only His. 

Are you believing a lie today?