A friend returned from a trip to America a few years ago with a flashy new laptop. To him, it was a prized possession, as such devices were rare in South Africa at the time.

 

But then came a difficult moment – he felt God prompting him to give the laptop to a friend. At first, he tried to ignore the thought, but the conviction remained. Eventually, with the heaviest heart imaginable, he handed the laptop over. In the days that followed, he couldn’t stop thinking about it and kept questioning whether he had heard from God.

 

One morning, he realised the situation was stealing his joy. He decided to surrender the matter to God, asking him to remove the desire for the laptop from his heart and to help him feel genuinely happy for his friend. For the first time since giving it away, he felt a deep sense of peace.

 

That very same day, completely unexpectedly, the friend returned the laptop and said, “I really don’t need this. Please take it back.” It had never even been taken out of its bag!

 

This reminds me of Abraham and Isaac. God never truly wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac – he was after Abraham’s heart, testing his obedience. Similarly, God wasn’t after my friend’s laptop – he was after his heart. Since my friend had grown up in poverty, perhaps God wanted to free him from the hold that material possessions had on him.

 

Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

 

There is only one rightful King of our hearts. May we ensure that God alone sits on that throne.

 

Prayer: Father God, you alone deserve first place in my life. Please reveal anything that has taken priority over you. I want my heart to be fully devoted to you. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.