I am not a fan of negotiation. It stresses me out, especially when it comes to exchanging money or goods. Sure, I can negotiate with my husband about our schedules of kid-watching so we can be grown-ups/eatwithtwohands/gotothebathroomalone with the best of ’em. And sometimes I get my Mama negotiation skills out with our tiny human, who, for someone so small, seems to be very well versed in this department.
But most of the time, trying to make a trade just makes me twitch. I either feel like a jerk for demanding too much or like I am about to get the short end of the stick because I will do almost anything to avoid major confrontation.
Kind of reminds me of my childhood. I probably spent more time trying to strike a “fair” (see also: Me on the winning side) trade agreement with my little sister. “Well, yeah, this half of the cookie is a little bit smaller– but it has an extra chocolate chip!”
Even now, trading is hard for me. I would honestly rather just give something away and let it go– or hey, receive with no strings attached.
This trade-agreement method is something I have been working on in my spiritual life too.
See, I used be (ahem, ok, still am) a bit stubborn. I battle pride on a daily basis, and I have to fight my flesh against the “I do what I want” mentality on a regular basis.
But God is the ultimate love-negotiator.
And a sacrificial one at that.
All throughout His Word, He is constantly offering us an opportunity to trade one really yucky thing for something pretty darn awesome.
Here are some of the great “deals” He offers:
Trade worry for trust.
Trade unrest for peace.
Trade self-sufficiency for dependence.
Trade pride for humility.
Trade bondage for freedom.
Trade judgement for love.
Trade busyness for rest.
Trade strife for faith.
Trade envy for gladness.
Trade fear for hope.
Trade death for life.
Which of those listed above do you need “trade” with one another? Any that I have left out? I welcome your feedback. Chime and leave a comment below.
So that is our quick and easy challenge to consider today. Get in the business of doing business with God. Because we ALWAYS win.
Friends, remember this message the next time something gross/unpleasant/stressful comes your way. Know that every time, God is right there, stretching out His hand with the bigger half of the cookie with EXTRA chocolate chips, ready to trade our struggles for His peace.
And THAT is a trade worth making– every time.
Trading on Faith,
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.” ~Isaiah 43:2-4 MSG
Linking up today with Kelly, Laura at Playdates with God, Joan’s Beauty in His Grip, Jen over at Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood, and Hazel via Tell Me a Story. Be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
