Author: Jason Zerbey

He said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
-Luke 18:29-30

I have been blessed by sacrifice. God has rarely paused before revealing future riches when I have been called to release the worldly things to which I was attached.

So much so that I’ve seen the concept as partial illusion. “Sacrifice” is dependent on a narrow focus on time. Where is the sacrifice in becoming healthier, stronger, more confident in faith, or more capable as a parent? I left a career that I had long sought to care for my children while my wife worked. That didn’t feel like sacrifice and gave me the skills neccesary to master single parenthood.

There is always more to let go. A sinful life provides many opportunities for sacrifice.

I pray to recognize what must be released next in service of God, myself, my children, my loved ones, and the future.

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“Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
-Mark 10:45

I try to always act in service of my faith. Throughout my life, I have witnessed many Christians who do not walk a path of service. This was one of the obstacles I met in my search for higher meaning.

I pray deeply to not be an obstacle for those who may be seeking a life in Christ.

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“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
-Mark 10:15

The longer we live in the world the more it covers us in sin and assumption. Children aren’t totally free of this corruption, but they have a cleaner access to faith.

My younger son has an easy faith that I cherish. He understands things that have taken me years to process.

I don’t know if I’ll ever get past over-thinking Scripture and faith, but I pray to move toward his childlike conection with God.

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While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.”
-Mark 5:35-36

I didn’t hear these words when my wife died, but I was gifted this message.

Fear has a limited use, if any. You can can keep yourself safe in dangerous situations by loving yourself amd those around you and taking rational steps to honor that love. Focusing on Jesus and His calm in the storm can bring peace to our hearts and clear our heads during crisis.

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That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.
-Mark 4:35-37

I love what comes next, But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion…

Staying calm in the storm is hard. We cling to mortal life, yet we know we will be powerless when the last storm hits.

I pray to stay calm through my storms.

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When they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
-Mark 2:4-5

I am blessed with faithful friends like these.

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A voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness.
-Mark 1:11-12

Prepare for the wilderness. You will be sent there whether you are ready or not.

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But immediately he spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus
-Matthew 14:27-29

Different translations of this verse use “courage” for “heart” here.

Today I pray for courage and heart as I attempt to follow Christ’s model.

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