Text: Ephesians 3:20
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
The Starting Point of Every Miracle: Sacrifice
The miraculous is God’s specialty. But if we’re going to experience the full dimension of His power, we must begin with a spiritual truth that Jesus Himself demonstrated:
“Not my will, but Thine be done.”
What Real Sacrifice Looks Like
Sacrifice isn’t about giving what’s convenient. It’s about offering what’s valuable, what we love, cherish, and hold dear. And because it’s valuable, giving it up hurts. That’s why sacrifice always challenges the flesh.
As humans, our instinct is to hold on. To say “It’s mine.” Even when we do give, we’re tempted to offer less than our best. But God is not honored by leftovers or half-hearted offerings.
Malachi 1:8 reminds us that defiled sacrifices—blind, crippled, or diseased offerings—dishonor God. If we wouldn’t offer them to a government leader, why would we offer them to the King of Kings?
Sacrifice that pleases God is costly, but it is also rooted in trust and obedience.
Trusting God’s Will, Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense
When God calls you to sacrifice, He’s also calling you to trust Him.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
— Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)
Obedience often defies logic. It stretches our comfort zones. But in surrender, there is peace. God doesn’t require blind faith, He gives us His presence and His promises. And when we step out in trust, we discover that He is already working behind the scenes.
The Peace That Comes With Surrender
Psalm 40:1-8 paints a powerful picture of what it looks like to trust God during difficult moments of sacrifice:
- God lifts us from the pit of despair
- He gives us a new song of praise
- He leads us with peace, even when we don’t know how He will provide
“Although your sacrifice may be difficult and painful, you will always have peace in the sacrifice.”
Just ask Abraham. When he walked up Mount Moriah with his son Isaac, he didn’t know how God would provide. But he trusted the Who, even when he didn’t know the how.
It’s Not About Ritual, It’s About Relationship
David realized in Psalm 40 that what God desires is not ritual sacrifices, but surrendered hearts.
“You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings… I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.”
God doesn’t need another burnt offering. He wants a willing servant, someone who says, “Not my will, but Yours.”
As Bible commentator David Guzik explains:
“God didn’t want animal sacrifices. God wanted surrendered, willing servants.”
Final Thought: The Miracle Begins at the Altar of Surrender
If you’re praying for a miracle, ask yourself this:
Am I willing to say, “Not my will”?
That’s where the miraculous begins. At the point of surrender. In the place of sacrifice. When we trust God enough to give Him our best, even when we don’t understand, we open the door for Him to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ask or think.
