Isaiah 61:3 To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

 

Yesterday we initiated a discussion about trading our lives for the Abundant Life Jesus died on the Cross for us to have. When a trade is made, both parties put something on the table. They each give up something to get something else, but both parties must be willing to make the trade and bring their part to the table.

 

It’s commonplace today to find people who want to receive something but they don’t want to give up anything to get it. Unfortunately, this is how many people who profess to be Christians, live. They want all the Benefits of being a Christian (Abundant Life) but they don’t want to give up anything to have it. God does not work that way.

 

Jesus already put everything He had on the table when He suffered and died on the Cross of Calvary. Every Blessing of God is available to anyone who is willing to bring their pitiful, wasted life to the table and lay it down.

 

There is an old song that speaks directly to this. It’s called, “I God the Best of the Trade.” The songwriter shares all that the Lord gave him in trade for what he was willing to give up. The following are the words to this song.

 

Oh the Lord gave me beauty for ashes, and for sorrow He gave to me joy.

I was sad and oppressed, He exchanged it for rest, and a Peace that the world can’t destroy.

 

(CHORUS) I traded my sins for Salvation, I traded my load for relief;

I got Peace for my condemnation, and the Joy of my Lord for my grief.

I traded my life that was wasted, a temple to dwell in God made;

I got so much more than I had before, that I’m sure I got the best of the trade.

 

I was poor and had nothing worth having, disappointment had saddened my life;

Now I’m rich as can be, since He traded with me abundance of Peace for my strife.

 

(CHORUS) I traded my sins for Salvation, I traded my load for relief;

I got Peace for my condemnation, and the Joy of my Lord for my grief.

I traded my life that was wasted, a temple to dwell in God made;

I got so much more than I had before, that I’m sure I got the best of the trade.

 

I was restless but God made me quiet, when I fully surrendered my all,

He gave me comfort for my fear, gave me smiles for my tears, as He lovingly heard when I called.

 

(CHORUS) I traded my sins for Salvation, I traded my load for relief;

I got Peace for my condemnation, and the Joy of my Lord for my grief.

I traded my life that was wasted, a temple to dwell in God made;

I got so much more than I had before, that I’m sure I got the best of the trade.

 

 

I pray you make the trade. It will…...….turn the tide……….in your life.

 

I got the best of the trade,         Doreen

 

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