“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthews 16:25)
In Matthew 16:25, Jesus speaks about losing one’s life. He is not telling us about dying but rather offering us a profound truth: true life is not found in our plans, wishes, and desires, but rather in total surrender to Him.
Have you ever known you were walking out of God’s plan for your life? Your answer is probably yes. Every single person, at some point, has chosen their selfish desires over God’s plan.
I once heard a pastor say, “God will never give you peace in something that wasn’t meant for you.” In my own life, I have prayed to God asking for peace knowing that I wasn’t living in the way He has called me. There have been many times when I’ve clung stubbornly to my own plans, only to find myself restless and discontented.
Surrendering to Jesus involves letting go of our plans, our desires, and our selfish ambitions to embrace His plan for our lives wholeheartedly. This might require you to turn from the things that give you comfort. Whether it is a job that offers you a steady paycheck, a relationship that is keeping you stuck, or a bad habit that is stifling your growth, God wants our total surrender.
As we reflect on Matthew 16:25, let’s examine our hearts and where we might be holding onto our own plans. When we lose our life for His sake, He offers us a peace that is unshakable. His plan for your life is far better than what you could ever orchestrate on your own strength.