Brenda Lambert is a graduate of Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. As a therapist for the Liberty Godparent Home and later the Director of Client Services at a Crisis Pregnancy Center in Davie, Florida, Brenda has developed a heart for discipling young ladies and ministering to them both one on one and in group settings. She continued to fulfill her passion for discipleship by homeschooling her three children. Because Brenda has a heart for worship, she has led worship for women’s groups in both small settings and large conferences. Brenda serves alongside her Husband Cliff, who is a Professor of Worship at Liberty University and the Worship Pastor at Liberty Baptist Church. Cliff and Brenda have been married for 35 years and are blessed with 3 children and 3 grandchildren who all love and serve the Lord.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24
Dark storm clouds rushed through the sky while driving to church one Sunday morning. The powerful lyrics from a worship song hit hard as I pondered the weight of these words: “Wherever you lead me, whatever it costs me. Jesus all I want is You. Jesus, all I want is you.*” I had to admit they were almost impossible to comprehend. Facing the realization that God may choose to stretch me farther than I had ever been willing to venture, I found myself pausing the song and asking, “Am I prepared to sacrifice anything for obedience to His call? God is sovereign and just, so I know that I can trust Him…. but do I?”
The promise of Romans 8:28 rings true. He works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This verse was hidden in my heart years ago and I can rest assured that it’s true, but He may choose to take me on a journey too difficult to carry on my own. Do I want that? NO!
Even so, walking in complete obedience to His plan while trusting His promise from Philippians 4:13 that “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” was my deepest desire. Trust is the only way to begin humming the melody of this song and walk with joy through surrender. I asked myself again, “Am I willing to offer all things I hold dear? Like Job or Abraham, am I willing to follow wherever He leads me, whatever it costs me? My husband, children, grandchildren, home, and comfort? The things that I take for granted are some of the most precious. My health, possessions, lifestyle? In a moment, all that I enjoy could change.”
My thoughts swirled as I pulled over to the side of the road to pour my heart out to Jehovah. With tears streaming down my face, I experienced a renewal in my spirit. I let go and began to sing this song with complete release, not simply words but from the depths of my heart. I gave all that I have to the Father in complete abandon. This was not easy! But oh, what freedom comes from giving it all to Him knowing that He cares. (I Peter 5:7)
I would love to say that life altering experience was a forever decision, but it was not. I find myself picking up my selfish desires over and over again. Please understand, my desires and dreams are not bad, they’re just self-centered instead of God-centered. So, I play my new favorite song and spend some time with Jehovah in a heart-to-heart conversation with new things to give up. What about you? Is there something God is asking you to yield to Him? You may never need to make the sacrifice He has laid on your heart, but like Abraham, God desires a willing heart. May our desire always be whatever it costs.
*Lyrics from Follow You Anywhere (Words and Music by Kristian Stanfill, Brett Younker, Phil Wickham, and Jason Ingram; performed by Passion)
