đ¤ Is God really my first priority?
This is a question I have to ask myself honestly in every season as I seek to obey the Lord. Following Christ requires continual surrender. Maybe itâs a job, a relationship, a mindset, or even an old wound. Whatever it is, He calls us to release it fully to Him so that He can transform us. Let me tell you a story of how my wife and I gave everything away.
God told us to give everything away…
My wife, Anna, and I experienced this in a big way in 2022 when God told us to give everything away. At the time, we were at the height of successâliving in a beautiful home, thriving in our careers, and enjoying financial prosperity. But then, God asked us to let it all go. Though we knew He had spoken clearly, we wrestled with obedience, delaying our obedience for six months. But eventually, we surrendered. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we gave away all our possessions, ended our lease, and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, with nothing but our car and a few belongings.
We were excited for the radical journey at first, thinking, âWow, what is God about to do?!â But as time passed, the reality of our decision sank in. Without our businesses, home, and financial stability, we felt lost. It was then that God revealed something profoundâour identity had been wrapped up in our achievements. We had taken pride in our success as if we had earned it ourselves, failing to fully acknowledge God as the source of it all. This realization humbled us deeply, and we knew that without surrendering everything, we might never have seen it so clearly.
My wife got cancer…
In the midst of this, we received devastating newsâAnna was diagnosed with colon cancer. (full testimony here) Not only were we navigating the uncertainty of giving everything away, but now we faced a serious medical crisis with little to no resources. It was an incredibly difficult season, but God was with us every step of the way. Despite the challenges, we chose to keep trusting Him, knowing He had a plan beyond what we could see.
He is faithful!
Now, we are seeing the fruit of that obedience and are grateful every day that we chose to trust Him. Surrender isnât easy, but God gives us the strength we need when we step out in faith.
So today, take a moment to ask yourself: What do I need to surrender to God right now? Be encouragedâHe is faithful!
Monday Encouragement provides powerful, thought-provoking video content designed to inspire and uplift. Led by Paztuh Mike, each episode draws from his own personal struggles and real-life victories, creating a relatable and authentic teaching experience. Through a combination of Scripture, relevant discussions on current events, and heartfelt testimonies, viewers are invited to encounter transformative truths that speak directly to their own lives.
Whether youâre facing challenges, seeking guidance, or simply in need of spiritual encouragement, this series provides the tools and insights to help you navigate your journey with renewed strength and purpose. New episodes are released every month so donât miss outâsubscribe below to receive your dose of encouragement!
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Thank you for visiting Paztuh Mikeâs website! Weâd love for you to become a part of our growing community by signing up for the newsletter below. You will receive weekly doses of encouragement through thought-provoking content, as well as updates on the latest music, speaking engagements, and community outreach efforts. This isnât just a newsletter; itâs a community where we grow together. We hope youâll join us by subscribing below!