2 / Thursday

Sacrifice is intentionally forsaking the security of relying on our own resources, beyond what seems reasonable, to remind us of our desperate need for Jesus.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. —Matthew 4:1-2

Jesus didn’t fast from food and water for forty days to prove that He could do it. He did it to focus on God and be nourished by the Word of God.

In the same way, the point of sacrificing something is to redirect your appetite in godly ways.

• What habits or things distract you from God?

• What do you run to for comfort, pleasure and entertainment?

• If you didn’t have those things, what would consistently remind you to go to Jesus?

Instead of focusing on what you are doing for God, how can your sacrifice be a reminder to dive into the depth of what he has done for you? Write down your thoughts.

And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. —Matthew 6:16–18