During his reign, King Frederick William III of Prussia found himself in a bind.

Wars had been costly, and in trying to build the nation, he was seriously short of finances.

After careful reflection, he decided to ask the women of Prussia if they would bring their jewelry of gold and silver to be melted down for their country.

For each piece of jewelry he received, he would exchange for a decoration of bronze or iron as a symbol of his gratitude. These decorations would be inscribed, ‘I gave gold for iron, 1813’.

The response was overwhelming. But more importantly, the women prized these gifts from the king even more highly than their former jewelry!

The reason, of course, is clear. They were proof that they had sacrificed for their king.

When we come to know our King, we, too, should want to exchange the flourishes of our former life for Him.

The amazing thing about our King is that He not only takes our jewels, but He takes our rags and uses them for the good of His Kingdom!

Perhaps there are some things we need to sacrifice to him today. Let’s pray and ask for His revelation.

There are great things awaiting those who give.

I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good. Psalm 54:6

–by George Whitten