Scripture
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” – Mark 8:35 (NIV)
Reflection
Earlier this year, I found myself standing at a crossroads. I was in a comfortable place, working a “dream job” by most standards, in a field I was passionate about pursuing. I was being groomed to take over the successful real estate company, earning beyond what I’d imagined at that stage of life, I was a partner in the business, had a clear path upward, and a lifetime of financial stability for my family and I in front of me. By all worldly measures, I had made it.
But deep down, God was stirring something different. He placed Everwest on my heart, not just as a business idea, but as a calling. It didn’t make sense on paper to walk away from security and wealth to pursue Everwest, a risky venture in a field I knew nothing about. Yet I couldn’t ignore His voice, I had to choose, hold tightly to my own life and worldly plans, or surrender them to follow His. Be a fan of Jesus or a follower.
One unforgettable night as my wife was sleeping next to me, I couldn’t sleep while reading the book of Numbers. Specifically, chapters 13 and 14, the story of Moses after leading the Israelites out of Egypt. He sent twelve men to scout the land that God had promised them. The scouts explored Canaan and returned with both good and bad news. They confirmed that the land was indeed rich and abundant, but ten of the twelve scouts were gripped by fear. They saw giants and fortified cities, and their faith crumbled under the weight of their own doubt. Only two scouts, stood firm, believing that if God had promised the land, He would surely deliver it into their hands.
But Moses chose fear over faith. He listened to the voices of insecurity rather than the voice of God. In Moses’ rebellion, He refused to move forward into where God had called him and the nation of Israel. As a result, God withheld His blessing from that generation, sentencing them to wander in the wilderness for forty years, long enough for the faithless hearts to fade away before the promise would finally be fulfilled through their children.
The words jumped off the page, I felt as if God was speaking directly to me, showing that hesitation in obedience leads to spiritual wandering. When God says “Go,” delaying or clinging to comfort is an act of mistrust. Just as Israel stood on the edge of the promised land and had to choose between faith and fear, so we too face moments when God calls us to step into something unknown, leaving behind the familiar for the sake of His promise.
God was pressing on my heart that it was time to step out in faith, leave the safety of my job and follow where He was leading: to obey and enter the “promised land” He had prepared, or remain stuck in the wilderness of comfort. Mark 8:35 reminds us that true life isn’t found in holding onto comfort or success but in laying it down for the sake of Christ. Leaving my old career wasn’t easy, there were doubts, fears, and sacrifices, but in obedience, I’ve found a deeper joy, purpose, and freedom in walking with Him.
Application
We’re all tempted to “save our lives” by grasping onto control, money, reputation, or comfort. Yet Jesus calls us to lose our lives for Him, to surrender every corner of our plans and ambitions so He can shape them for His glory. This week, I encourage you to ask yourself:
- What am I holding onto that God may be asking me to release?
- Do I trust that His plans for me are better than the security I've built for myself?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us that life is found not in grasping, but in surrender. Give us courage to let go of our plans and trust Yours. Teach us to walk in obedience, even when it costs us, knowing that You are faithful to redeem every sacrifice for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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- Jake Bunz, Founder
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