I Give Myself Away - Jimmy Haddox

2 Timothy 1:8

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God”

The first night of the fellowship, God put this song on my heart. It was a song by William McDowell that goes “I give myself away so You can use me” I listened to it again and again while staring out over the moon lit horizon of Sky Lake. The words resonated with my soul. This year would be about giving myself away so God could use me. At times, it would be giving away things I desire. Other times, it would be giving away comfort. It rings true with what Jesus tells His disciples in Matthew 16:24 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

I would be giving up things but I would be gaining so much more! I would be gaining things that money can’t buy. I would be gaining a community of friends who desire to love Jesus and share His Hope with the world. I would be gaining brothers and sisters who I could encourage on their toughest days and who could bear my burdens on mine. Also, I would be gaining a satisfaction in Christ that cannot come from anything else this world has to offer.

The most amazing opportunity I believe the fellowship provides is the opportunity to serve others. From serving retreat guests to serving our fellow brothers and sisters here at Sky Ranch, it is an amazing opportunity to be faithful in following Christ’s example of coming to the earth in the form of a man not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.

The fellowship is more than just a job, it’s more than just a social club, and it’s more than just a learning program. It is an opportunity to form bonds that last a lifetime, even a lifetime beyond our years on earth into eternity and be used by God to make an everlasting impact of His Kingdom by the power of His Gospel!