29th July 2028
12:13pm
There’s something powerful that happens when someone gives something up for God especially when it costs something personally. During a recent service, Bishop Chris Ankomah shared a truth that struck a chord with the congregation: “Your sacrifice triggers grace to be released.” It’s a principle seen throughout Scripture. God’s grace, His help, His power, His provision often shows up when someone is willing to surrender what’s precious. In Genesis 22, Abraham’s obedience to offer Isaac unlocked supernatural provision. God stepped in and provided a ram. That moment wasn’t just about obedience it was about the grace that followed because of it.
Many in the congregation pray for breakthrough or divine intervention, while still holding tightly to things God may be asking them to surrender. It could be time, comfort, control, or something deeply personal. Sacrifice, especially when it’s uncomfortable, clears space for God to move. In 1 Kings 17, the widow of Zarephath gave her last bit of flour and oil to feed the prophet Elijah. She said, “I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal… that we may eat it and die.” Yet through that sacrifice, God released provision: “The jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry.” Her obedience unlocked grace.
Sacrifice is ultimately a statement of trust. It’s someone saying, “God, I trust You more than I trust what’s in my hand.” That kind of surrender moves heaven. In Mark 12, Jesus pointed out a poor widow who gave two small coins at the temple. Others gave far more, but Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” For members of the congregation, this reveals something important: real sacrifice isn’t about how big it looks, but how deeply it costs. When it’s given from a place of faith, God notices and grace follows.
One of the truths Bishop Chris emphasized was this: “Sacrifice without faith is just loss but sacrifice with faith becomes a seed.” Hebrews 11:4 says, “By faith, Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did.” It wasn’t about the physical gift, but the heart and faith behind it. That’s how grace is released through trust-filled obedience. Whether it’s financial giving, serving in silence, or laying something down that’s hard to release, members of the church are encouraged to see every faith-filled sacrifice as something God honors and uses.
It’s also important to recognize that grace doesn’t always show up in material form. Sometimes, the grace that follows sacrifice is peace, or clarity, or strength to keep going. Romans 12:1 urges believers to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this is your true and proper worship.” That kind of daily surrender may not look dramatic, but it’s powerful. For the congregation, it’s a reminder that real grace often flows to those who quietly and consistently give God their yes even when it costs.
There are times when a member of the church obeys, makes a sacrifice, and then… silence. No immediate reward. No clear answer. That’s when trust matters most. Bishop Chris reminded the church that “grace is not always instant, but it is always certain.” Galatians 6:9 encourages, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” The seed of sacrifice often grows beneath the surface before fruit is seen. Grace may already be moving, even if it’s not visible yet.
Sacrifice also prepares hearts to receive more. Jesus said in Luke 5:37–38, “No one pours new wine into old wineskins.” Fresh things from God require fresh space. Sometimes, members of the church are praying for new blessings but still clinging to old ways. Sacrifice empties the heart so it can be filled. As Bishop Chris said, “You can’t hold what’s next if your hands are full of what’s past.” Letting go of what’s familiar isn’t easy but it creates space for grace to be poured in.
Beyond provision, sacrifice brings clarity. It sharpens focus and reorders priorities. Matthew 6:21 says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When someone gives something meaningful to God, it resets the heart. Suddenly, things that once seemed important start to fade, and eternity becomes clearer. That’s also grace. It’s the grace to see, to discern, to walk closely with God. And that often comes on the other side of letting something go.
In the end, this message is a reminder to the entire congregation: sacrifice isn’t about losing it’s about unlocking. God doesn’t ask for something to leave a person empty. He asks because He wants to fill that space with something greater. Every act of obedience no matter how quiet, how small, or how hard has the potential to trigger the release of grace. Whether it’s time, comfort, reputation, or finances, anything given in faith becomes a door. And when that door opens, grace walks in.
By Yaa Ayeh