Make my brown eyes blue

Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.    — Matthew 16:25

As a young girl, Amy Carmichael (1867-1951) wished she had blue eyes instead of brown. She even prayed that God would change her eye color and was disappointed when it didn’t happen. At age 20, Amy sensed that the Lord was calling her to serve Him as a missionary. After serving in various places, she went to India. It was then that she realized God’s wisdom in the way He had made her. She may have had a more difficult time gaining acceptance from the brown-eyed people if her eyes had been blue. She served God in India for 55 years.

We don’t know for sure that Amy was more readily accepted because of her eye color. But we do know and believe that it is the Lord “who has made us, and not we ourselves” (Ps. 100:3), As we submit to His wisdom in everything, we can serve Him effectively.

Amy knew what submission was. When asked about missionary life, she replied, “Missionary life is simply a chance to die.” Jesus said, “Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:25).

That describes the devoted Christian’s life as well — total surrender to God’s plans and will for us. May we submit to Him today.     — Anne Cetas

Although I may not understand

The path You’ve laid for me,

Complete surrender to Your will —

Lord, this my prayer shall be.   — Sherbert

READ: Matthew 16:24-28

Our lives are never more secure than when they are abandoned to God.

The Bible in one year:

• 1 Kings 3-5

• Luke 20:1-26