In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments that require significant sacrifices. These moments remind us that true service to Christ often comes at a cost. Two powerful stories from the Bible illustrate this principle: the story of David and the widow who gave all she had.

In the Bible, King David once commanded Joab to count all the soldiers of Israel. This act displeased God, as it reflected David’s pride and reliance on military strength rather than on God. Realizing his sin, David sought God's forgiveness. God then offered David a choice of three punishments: three years of famine, three months of fleeing from enemies, or three days of a severe plague. David chose to fall into the hands of the Lord, preferring the plague, which resulted in the death of 70,000 people. The angel of the Lord stopped at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, where David was to make a sacrifice. Araunah offered David his threshing floor and oxen for free, but David insisted, saying, "Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing" (2 Samuel 24:24, KJV). David's insistence on bearing the cost of the sacrifice demonstrated his understanding that true worship requires personal sacrifice. God responded to David’s offering by ending the plague.

David’s sin was that he lost his trust in God and depended on his own resources by counting the soldiers. God disciplined him, taking many lives to remind him and the people of Israel that their reliance should be on God alone.

Another compelling story is that of the widow who gave all she had, in contrast to the rich men who gave out of their abundance. The rich men gave large sums of money, seeking public recognition. Meanwhile, a poor widow offered two mites, which was all she had to live on. Jesus observed this and pointed out that while the rich gave out of their wealth, the widow gave out of her poverty, giving everything she had to live on. This story is found in Mark 12:41-44. Jesus was not condemning the rich for their wealth but highlighting the difference in the cost of their giving. For the widow, her offering was a true sacrifice because it impacted her livelihood. If a wealthy person with a million kina in their bank account gave more than a million kina, it would cost them significantly because it would affect their livelihood. This act would signify true worship and trust in God, as they would be giving more than they had, thereby affecting their economic situation. Just like the widow, they would be showing their reliance on God's provision.

This principle is evident in the lives of many missionaries who have sacrificed greatly for the sake of the gospel. Many missionaries face severe hardships, including loss of life, health issues, and financial insecurity. Some lose their children, either to death or through their children's struggles with faith. Many return home without retirement plans, living in material poverty but rich in spiritual legacy. They understood that God would provide for their retirement, their health, the safety of their children, their education, and more. The cost is directly related to their trust and dependency on God, which is what God requires of us.

For those serving God and experiencing silent suffering, take heart in the words of Jesus: "Take up the cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24, KJV). The journey to heaven is narrow and challenging, but we are never alone. We rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Is your walk with Christ costing you something? Are you being tested to your limits? Remember, you are exactly where you need to be—right in the center of God's will. Embrace the suffering and count the cost because a glorious day is coming when Jesus Himself will wipe away your tears and say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21, KJV).

Many times, we do not highlight the realities of serving God and fulfilling our purpose on earth. The road to heaven is narrow and tough (Matthew 7:14, KJV), and we cannot make it on our own but must depend solely on the Holy Spirit and rely on the strength of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

As we carry our crosses, we trust that God will give us the strength to carry them. We walk in suffering with the knowledge that, in the end, we will come through as purified gold (1 Peter 1:7, KJV). Is it costing you something? Is your walk with Christ testing you to your limits? Sometimes you may wonder if you will ever make it. Let me remind you that you are exactly where God wants you to be, right in the center of His will. This is the safest place. After all, we are all called to share in Jesus' suffering (Philippians 1:29, KJV), and ultimately, we will share in His Kingdom. Embrace the suffering and count the cost because a glorious day is near when Jesus Himself will wipe every tear from our eyes and say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Revelation 21:4, KJV; Matthew 25:21, KJV). Amen.