Laying Down your Life for the Higher Life

Key Verse:
“Whoever finds his [lower] life will lose it [the higher life], and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life].” – Matthew 10:39 (AMPC)

In Matthew 10:39, Jesus presents a paradox: “Whoever finds his [lower] life will lose it, and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life].” This is a powerful reminder that the pursuit of our own desires, if it becomes our primary focus, can actually lead to the loss of something far more valuable-the higher life that God has prepared for us.

Let me ask you a question: Is there something you desire so much that it has become your main prayer request this year? Maybe there’s an urgent need in your life-whether it’s passing an exam, securing a job, or receiving something you’ve prayed for repeatedly. Is it something that, if left unmet, feels like it would be the end of the world?

Jesus is teaching us that whatever need we have, it can become “cheap” to attain when we are willing to lay it down before God. The key to receiving the higher life is surrender. When we come before God and say, “Lord, I lay this need down before you, and I will still love you, serve you, and be content with you whether or not this prayer is answered,” we demonstrate our willingness to prioritize God’s will over our own desires.

If a need in your life is so significant that its unmet fulfillment would negatively affect your relationship with God, then you have not yet fully chosen the higher life. The Scripture reveals that to experience the true, abundant life that God has for us, we must let go of the things that bind us to our lower desires. This act of surrender is essential.

To embrace the higher life, you must lay your greatest prayer requests at God’s feet and be able to say, “Even if I don’t get what I am asking for, I will still be a devoted Christian. I will still follow you, serve you, and trust you.”

Are you ready to cross that bridge? Are you ready to surrender those things that you are holding onto tightly and trust God with them, regardless of the outcome? Only then can you step into the life God truly desires for you-a life free from the bondage of unmet needs and full of His peace and joy.

Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the higher life you have prepared for me. I lay down all my desires, needs, and prayer requests before you today. I trust that your plan for my life is greater than anything I could ask for, and I choose to find my joy and fulfillment in you, regardless of the outcome. Help me to surrender fully and to seek your will above all else. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.