i was watching the Joyce Meyer program this morning that my DVR taped and she has been talking about disobedience and how that is the only thing that keeps us from moving into the abundant life and calling God has for us. She said that we always seem to be asking God for new breakthroughs in our calling or personal walk with Him, except we have not finished what He asked us to do the last time we asked for more of Him in our lives.
it's like Peter. After Jesus asks him three times if he loves him and all three times Peter answers, yes. Then Jesus told him what kind of suffering and ultimately what kind of death he would suffer and Peter turned to John, another disciple, and asked, "what about this man?" Jesus' response?
If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? you follow me.
Our relationship with God and accountability remains solely in our hands, whether we obey or look to others for validation or direction. See, we always want what other people seem to be getting from God. What we see as unproductivity on God's part in our lives is largely due to our disobedience. Not deadly sin, but maybe skirting around what He has asked us to be faithful to do. Joyce said it like this. She was ferverently praying for God to increase their ministry, while at home she was still backtalking her husband and remaining unsubmissive to his leadership in their marraige. The Holy Spirit said, why don't you do what I told you to do first and then we'll see about the next thing.
All God's children have things that God has asked them to do. Most of God's blessings come with a therefore or but. God does and we do too. There's also a process in which our growth occurs. You can't make your bed with fresh linens until you first remove the dirty ones. you cannot expect the Lord to bless your next endeavor until you have cleaned up a bit and flown straight on the small stuff, like loving your neighbor as yourself.
I am in wonder and awe that we serve a God that didn't turn to Peter and say, "that's it! you just don't get it, do you? Maybe I'll just use John and leave you here?" No, he knew all that Peter would continue to do until Jesus left this earth. Even deny that he knew him, BUT he knew that he would find Peter saying that our suffering comes so that our faith may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus is revealed. (reference I Peter 1:7)
You see, it's not just a matter of us increasing our ministry or growing in knowledge, but that the glory of God is revealed in our lives through our obedience. People need to see that God is real and the only way to do so is to prove God faithful in our own circumstances. That means obedience that brings peace, blessing, love and a sweet spirit of contentment.
I am relieved to know that He doesn't require me to do things that are impossible to do. He has always said that He will be with me and provide me with grace and the strength to follow through. Just like the Israelites in the desert. He didn't want them there, but he provided manna for them so they could walk another day. Closer to the promised land.
That's why we need to do what God has asked us to do when He asks. Instead of trying to move on to what we think should be happening, let the Lord direct your actions and move your heart.
He has a plan that works step by step, so we can move from glory to glory.
Be encouraged this day! Know that whatever situation you find yourself in, God has a plan to get you through. Just listen for his direction and be careful to obey what he says, even if it doesn't make sense to you.
If you don't know the Lord Jesus as your Savior you can. He died on the cross for your sin, so you wouldn't have to pay for them. If you believe that He did that, tell Him and ask that He wash your sins from you and let Him into your life. Read Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8 I John 1:9 and John 3:16.
If you've taken this step, please tell someone. Find a local church and speak to the pastor.
This is why we celebrate Christmas! A loving Father sent his only son to live on this earth, to teach, suffer and die on a cross to take our punishment for sin upon Himself so we could be with Him in heaven.
i wonder at the season. i wonder what it was like for the Father to let his son go. i wonder at the love that compelled him to stay here and suffer. i wonder at what it will be like in heaven.
do you wonder?
"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:7
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