Following a series of devastating events in my life along, I sought refuge in the Bible. At the time, it was a means to distract myself from negative thoughts. During this time, I couldn’t quite grasp or understand. It was during this period that God was guiding me, helping me find my path back to Him
Having read the Bible from beginning to end and exploring deeper into the essence of God’s Word, I am now overwhelmed with a feeling of shame. Although I have known God the Father throughout my life, I realize that I have been living according to the world’s perspective.
Parable of the Hidden Treasure
Matthew 13:44
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field”
The Treasure: In this parable, the treasure represents the kingdom of heaven (or the kingdom of God). This treasure is incredibly valuable, but it’s not immediately obvious or visible; it’s hidden, which suggests that the kingdom of heaven isn’t always recognized or valued by everyone.
I should have embraced this amazing treasure of the Kingdom of God, but instead, I chose to bury it, opting to continue living a life led by my own desires and decisions.
Sacrifice and Commitment: The most important part of the parable is the worker’s response to finding the treasure. He goes and sells everything he owns to buy the field so that treasure will belong to him. This represents the total commitment and sacrifice that is sometimes required when someone decides to follow Jesus or enter the kingdom of heaven. It suggests that the value of this spiritual treasure is worth more than everything else one possesses
God often draws His followers closer to Him by allowing challenges in our lives, particularly during times when we are at our lowest.
Rediscovering the Hidden Treasure
At the lowest point in my life, I rediscovered the treasure I had once buried – the joyous realization of God’s kingdom. This spiritual treasure is worth more than everything else I possess
Even though it’s a bittersweet blessing, as it came at the cost of distancing myself from several family members. It was a necessary door I had to temporarily close, to deal my personal struggles and to escape the entanglements of family drama, enabling me to wholeheartedly pursue God.
reflections
Reflecting on the moment I first invited God into my life, I recalled an overwhelming sense of awe. However, looking back, I realize that I never truly devoted my entire heart and life to Him. Regular attendance at church and participating in a weekly women’s Bible study isn’t the full extent of what it means to be obedience to God. True obedience is a daily endeavor, and it’s in this aspect that I recognize my shortfall.
Obedience:
is a key component in spiritual growth and development. It’s through obedience that individuals often find deeper spiritual understanding and connection with God
Obedience is closely tied to trust in God:
It often means having faith that God’s plan is the best, even when it is not fully understood or when it challenges personal desire
Sacrifice and Surrender:
Living a God-led life sometimes requires personal sacrifices and a surrendering of one’s own desires or ambitions in favor of what is believed to be God’s plan or purpose
Challenges and Rewards:
Being obedient often involves difficult choices and personal sacrifices,
However, it also brings immense rewards and is abundant in blessings
In summary,
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure teaches that the kingdom of heaven is of such great value that sacrificing everything for it is worth it and is a cause for joy. This parable encourages believers to prioritize the kingdom of heaven above all worldly possessions or achievements
Join me on my journey paved by God’s guidance – I invite you to join me and find inspiration in the remarkable ways God moves in our lives (echosofmyfootsteps.com)