"The Next Season"

A Season of Sacrifice: Worship That Brings Blessings

Life is full of seasons—seasons of joy, seasons of growth, and seasons of sacrifice. As believers, we know that sacrifice is not just about giving up something; it is about drawing closer to God. In fact, Scripture is clear that our worship itself is a sacrifice, and when we surrender our hearts, our time, and our devotion to Him, we open the door to His abundant blessings.

The Call to Sacrificial Worship

From the beginning, God has called His people to worship Him with their whole being. In the Old Testament, worship often involved physical sacrifices—burnt offerings and gifts laid upon the altar. These were not just ritualistic acts; they were symbols of a heart fully devoted to God.  One of the most powerful examples of sacrificial worship is seen in Abraham’s obedience when God asked him to offer his son Isaac:

 “Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.’”—Genesis 22:2 (NIV)

Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrated his trust in God’s plan. Because of his obedience, God provided a ram in Isaac’s place, revealing that He is Jehovah Jireh—“The Lord Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14).  This story teaches us that true worship is not about what we bring, but about the condition of our hearts. Worship is a sacrifice of trust, obedience, and surrender.

Living Sacrifices in Worship

In the New Testament, the call to sacrifice remains—but instead of offering burnt sacrifices, we are called to offer ourselves. Paul reminds us of this in Romans 12:1:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

Our worship is not limited to songs we sing on Sunday mornings; it is the daily offering of our lives in service, obedience, and praise. Every time we choose faith over fear, obedience over convenience, and love over selfishness, we worship God with a living sacrifice.

The Blessing of Sacrificial Worship

When we surrender ourselves fully in worship, God responds with blessings. The Bible is filled with examples of how worship unlocks God’s favor:

• Paul and Silas worshiped in prison, and their praise led to a miraculous breakthrough (Acts 16:25-26).

• Hannah worshiped through her tears, and God blessed her with the child she longed for (1 Samuel 1:10-20).

• The widow at Zarephath sacrificed her last meal, and God provided for her and her son (1 Kings 17:8-16).

Worship requires sacrifice—of time, comfort, and sometimes even control—but God promises that He will bless those who seek Him with all their hearts.

Entering Your Season of Sacrifice

As we enter this season—whether it’s Lent, a time of transition, or simply a period where God is calling you to deeper devotion—remember that your sacrifice in worship is never in vain. God sees your offering, honors your obedience, and will pour out blessings beyond what you can imagine.

Let your life be a song of worship, a sacrifice that brings Him glory and positions you to receive His goodness.

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.”

—Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)

No matter what you’re facing, step into this season of sacrifice with faith. Your worship is not just an offering—it is a gateway to blessing.

Are you willing to worship God even when it costs you something?

Pastor Joe Lambert

Andrews Church of God