It has been a week of dealing with problematic legs, not being able to sleep, trying to keep my home tidy five minutes at a time, working on the latest novel on the laptop in the recliner instead of at the desk, and now here it is Friday. Not quite the day I’d hoped to provide a blog post, but at least I made it this week.

In the midst of that, it has been an interesting week. One of trying to make several decisions that could impact my comfort and health. So far, the only one I’ve made of any lasting value is the decision to continue my studies in my efforts to know more and more about the God I serve. My spiritual health will always be primary.

I was hoping to start attending a new church this week, but that looks to start next week. I wasn’t sure the leg issue would clear up in time, so I didn’t confirm my attendance. I miss being a part of a congregation, hearing the Word of God taught in person, and worshiping with a crowd of fellow believers.

A church near my new home has a van that gives people rides to church, and the van has a lift that can easily accommodate the walker if I need to use it. I’ve had a couple of conversations with a representative from the church, and I’ve decided I will go. I’ve watched them online for some time to learn what I could about them, so hopefully, it will happen soon. However, I need to contact them to confirm I need a ride by a certain time of the week, and I missed doing that this week.

Other than the continued lessons in patience, my thoughts today are focused on the practice of making vows. The Old Testament shares about people who have made vows, usually short term, as part of a commitment made before God. The New Testament also has vows, some of which today we also participate in. Probably the most familiar is fasting. For a short time, we fast to get closer to God, pray, or seek direction. We have sacrificed something we do for the sake of the vow, a declaration of commitment in our relationship with God.

Making a vow has such a variety of interpretations for people. It can mean anything from making a marriage vow to an angry vow to act in retribution. In many cases, we can use this term to designate meanings that are different than what other people think or feel. Which can lead to such confusion.

As a follower of Christ, I have vowed to become His disciple. But I never used the term vow. Commit is a word that for me is more powerful because, unlike some vows, it is not short-term. It is life-long.

Alongside the idea of commitment is the reality of sacrifice. As a believer, as a born-again Christian, sacrifice is a reality in our lives. We sacrifice out of love. Out of commitment. Out of a desire to be a disciple of Christ, to pursue holiness in our process of sanctification.

What I’m asking myself is how do I sacrifice? To what level am I willing to sacrifice?

God may not expect me to become a missionary in a foreign country, putting my life to one of endless hard work and or danger. But He does want me to be a missionary in the places I find myself. The old adage, ‘bloom where you are planted’ holds such truth. My life is radically different than it was when I was confirmed into ministry by church elders in 1999. But I am still a missionary, even if most often via my blog, social media, and the books I write. I am so grateful He continues to allow me to serve Him that way.

So, if I have to be careful in what books or articles I read and what I watch on television to keep my mind, and my heart pure before God, so that the things I share won’t be tainted by the negative influences of the world, I commit, I vow, to do that.

If I commit to consistently read the Bible, and take part in Biblical studies by learned men of God to show myself approved so as not to be ashamed, and to rightly divide the truth, I will do so.

If I learn of mistakes I’ve made that go against my walk with God, sins committed knowingly or unknowingly, I commit to repent, seek forgiveness, and turn away from those actions.

Because He loves me. Because I love Him. Because I am His servant. And I am so grateful for the truth in that.

It’s a life-long journey, a life-long process in my sanctification I commit to. And, when it’s done, I’ll stand before my Lord, knowing eternity with Him is mine.