The Gas Sacrifice-RMS Weekly Devotional

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8).

It used to be the sacrifice that was required for gas was the horrible smell that came from the back side of someone that you would have to smell for a moment and politely hold in the words that you wanted to say. Like, "Eww, you stink" or "You could have warned a girl!"

My other experience with gas is the horrible cramping pain it can cause in ones stomach when things just don't sit right-you know what I am saying?

Well, for the first time gas has caused some deep heart ache and I am not talking from heart burn. I am talking from heart break. After realistically assessing the finances it would take to participate in a wonderful family reunion and I am talking reunion of a lifetime. A reunion with not only bunches of relatives and family friends that I most dearly love but a reunion with my grandmother I posted about a few months back that has been found. It has been about fifteen years since I have seen her. I fear I will now not get a chance to.

You see, I went to the She Speaks conference in Charlotte, NC this past weekend. It was a ministry event and I was so thankful to God for providing it. But the unexpected expense of gas for my tank was unimaginable. I spent $160 dollars on gas and all the driving I did was to and from the hotel and my house. Can you believe it?! I know you can because we are all there now.

This Friday I was suppose to leave on an even farther trip. But due to our finances we had to cancel it. The cost would be too much financially for us to bear. You see, God tells us to leave no debt outstanding except the debt of love (Romans 13:8). Because of this and how hard we have fought to get and stay out of debt, we had to make the sacrifice of this trip.

Now, sadly many are disappointed. I too am disappointed. Gas has caused much heart ache and again pain. But do not be sad. God does honor those who honor His word in obedience. I am believing God to restore to us this time that is being challenged by these rising fuel costs. Never before have we had to cancel a trip but the times are changing.

Father, we know that You provide our every need. We thank You for that. Though life comes with certain disappointments I know You will honor the sacrifices we make in obedience to You. Even when it hurts terribly. Thank You for being our comforter and our ever-present help in time of trouble. Please help us to remain in unity with those who have been disappointed. In Jesus Name.