Breaking Barriers to True Sacrifice

“Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.”

— Psalm 118:27 (NKJV)

Thursday June 26, 2025

Why do so many of us struggle to live sacrificially? Why do we sometimes take back what we’ve laid down? From Abraham’s story and daily interaction with people, we see three key barriers:

Fear — “What if God doesn’t come through?”

Many people fear the unknown. Like Abraham, we wonder: If I lay this down, will God provide another? Fear whispers: What if I lose this job, this relationship, this opportunity — and nothing better comes? What if, what if, what if…?

Overcoming fear requires remembering that God is faithful. Look back at your life journey and recall His many kindnesses. Look into His word and meditate on His story in the pages of the scriptures. He is Jehovah Jireh — He provides. He is more than enough. He will, however, meet you at the point of obedience, not before.

Desire for Control — “I need to manage the outcome.”

We like to plan, predict, forecast, and steer our lives. Sacrificial living feels risky because it means surrendering control to someone else — and that can be uncomfortable. However, this surrender is to the ultimate creator of all.

True sacrifice means trusting God’s plan above your own, even when details are unclear or sketchy.

Pride — “This is too precious to give up.”

We sometimes think: I worked too hard for this dream. I built this career. I waited too long for this relationship. I struggled to get all this. Pride keeps one from surrender when a person thinks what they have is theirs rather than God’s gift. You feel your accolades and achievements have all been due to your actions and power.

Sacrifice reminds you that everything you have belongs to God first; you are a steward.

In a world that celebrates independence and self-made success, sacrificial living feels countercultural. But it is the covenant path to true peace, provision, and purpose. Like Abraham, we must bind our Isaacs — trusting that what we give to God is never truly lost.

Think It Over

• What fear, desire for control, or pride is holding you back from full surrender today?
• Are you willing to let God lead without a plan B?

What is God asking you to lay on the altar? In prayer, name it and bind it to God’s will. Like Abraham, act promptly on what God tells you. God’s provision does come in unusual ways and it is often found behind the door of obedience.

Let Us Pray

Praying in the Spirit for 30 minutes (Take out some more time to pray more in the cause of the day or night)

Prayer of Thanksgiving for another 5-10 mins

DAILY BIBLE READING PLAN

• Leviticus 13
• Psalm 15-16
• Proverbs 27
• 2 Thessalonians 1