Whatever It Takes

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5 (ESV)

When my husband and I were first married almost six years ago we adopted a motto to apply in our marriage–whatever it takes. We committed to do whatever it takes to protect and preserve our marriage, and without a doubt, this motto has been put to the test a number of times. We have encountered dark valleys, grief, pain, and even some nightmares, and yet, we have held on for dear life, doing whatever we need to do to save our marriage.

Staying up all night for a fight? Whatever it takes.

Giving up the potential for extra income? Whatever it takes.

Ending friendships? Whatever it takes.

Taking a leave of absence from school? Whatever it takes.

Selling belongings? Whatever it takes.

Throwing away old jewelry, photographs, and memories? Whatever it takes.

Changing eating, sleeping, and living habits? Whatever it takes.

This morning, as I think about the journey we have traveled in our marriage, I am also reminded of my journey with the Lord. He too is asking me to do whatever it takes to protect and preserve my relationship with him. When I am loving God with all of my heart, with all of my soul, and with all of my might, I am willing to do whatever it takes!

Staying up all night for a fight? Whatever it takes.

Giving up the potential for extra income? Whatever it takes.

Ending friendships? Whatever it takes.

Taking a leave of absence from school? Whatever it takes.

Selling belongings? Whatever it takes.

Throwing away old jewelry, photographs, and memories? Whatever it takes.

Changing eating, sleeping, and living habits? Whatever it takes.

Yes, these same struggles, challenges, and changes are sometimes necessary when striving to love God with all our heart, soul, and might. Am I willing to do whatever it takes to love God? And is it even possible?

How do I love God with all of my soul when my soul is thirsty and downcast (Psalm 42)?

How do I love God with all of my strength when I am weak and pitiful (Psalm 6:2)?

How do I love God with all of my heart when my heart is evil, deceitful and sick (Genesis 8:21; Jeremiah 17:9)?

I  have come to learn that I alone cannot do whatever it takes, in my own power and in my flesh, to love the Lord. I am weak, downcast, evil and in desperate need of the spirit of God to dwell richly in me, so that I can love him with all of the love that he has poured upon me. It is by his soul that I can love with all of my soul (Job 33:4; Psalm 51:10). It is by his strength that I can love with all of my strength (Psalm 18; 2 Corinthians 12:10). It is by his heart that I can love with all of my heart (Psalm 73:26).

And so, with #palmsup, I must surrender to God, allowing his heart, soul, and strength to permeate my being, equipping me to do whatever it takes to love him and live in obedience to him.

So, here I go, once again letting go of my own super powers (as if I had any) and letting God help me fly–doing whatever it takes not only in the marriage with which he has blessed me, but even more so in my relationship with Him.