I have been humbled and repentant this week over my refusal to obey God in some of the little things He asks. To obey when He asks something huge seems so critical, although seldom easy — visiting a foreign country on a mission trip, giving a large sum to a tremendous need, or forgiving an enemy. It is easy for us to see the “why” behind calls such as these, but what about the little things? What about the “foolish” things? (“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom” I Cor. 1:25a NIV)
I am not referring to black and white issues of avoiding sin or doing good. I’m talking about when God gently prods us to do or say something that makes no sense to us or seems totally irrelevant. I first react with questions or rationalizations, rather than simply answering, “Yes God.”
But, I am always reminded, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Is 55:9 NIV) Our eyes should not be on the size of the task He is asking, but on the size of the God who asks it. Who are we to question whether or not to obey? Anything less than immediate obedience stifles His Spirit in our lives. Simply agreeing that His prompting is a good idea or adding His idea to our “to do” list does not classify our lives as Spirit-led.
In short, God is teaching me to:
• Listen and not doubt:
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Ps 46:10)
• Obey immediately:
“Here’s how we can be sure that we know God in the right way: Keep his commandments.” (1 Jn 2:3 The Message)
“Do not hold back the work of the Holy Spirit.” (I Thes 5:19 NCV)
Ask the One who is faithful, “In what am I not obeying?” His answer, along with the strength to accomplish it, will come if we listen.
Teri Jones is a wife, mom and part-time homeschooler who loves hiking, scuba diving, rock climbing and rafting. Teri is the Volunteer Coordinator at the Keller Campus and thanks God for setting her free to really live.
Since the preview for this message series, I have heard two things over and over again. Following God’s will for my life has been a reoccuring theme in my life since I went through the “Wild at Heart” series with the men’s group at Keller over a year ago.
One of the two things that I kept hearing during this series though was the words of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8) replying to the Lord, “Here I am. Send me.”
The second thing that I keep hearing goes back to the infancy of my military experience. During the thirteen weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, we learned to march. Marching is in essence a means to get a large group of people from place to place in an organized fashion. Being Marine recruits, it had to be very organized. Everyone had to move in-step and in-unison. There had to be military precision. What keeps coming back to me is being taught that it was to help teach us to follow orders instantly.
Oh how I want to march for God. To hear His word and go, even if it is through the valley.
Through the years, one thing I’ve realized is when God speaks, and I don’t understand or see the whole picture – I still must obey! The consequences of my obedience are on God, even when it doesn’t make sense. I’ve experienced others around me question my actions. At times He has asked or instructed me to speak something or do something that didn’t make sense at the time, however – as time passed I learned why. When He speaks – don’t doubt – obey.
John 10:27 (Amplified) – “The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.”
I am his sheep, I know the voice of my shepherd. I am his daughter, I know the voice of my Father. I am the bride, I know the voice of my Bridegroom…