A few days ago, I wrote a post on obedience. If I am going to write about it, I should live up to it, right? I thought I was being obedient. I attended choir practice when I didn’t want to. I continued my writing ministry. However, the Lord has made it clear to me that there are areas where my obedience remains lacking.
This morning, I made some changes and had a talk with my Pastor to remedy that. I’ve had this feeling like God was telling me to do a couple of things, but I have been resistant.
Why would I resist what I believe is the leading of the Holy Spirit? Let me count out the reasons for you (and dispute them while we’re at it).
- Is it really the Holy Spirit leading? How do I know it isn’t my own mind or heart contriving to do something?
- Yes, it’s from the Holy Spirit! I don’t want to make changes, so it isn’t my heart leading me. And if it was something conjured up by my mind, the Lord could easily dissuade me from it. I know enough to pray about it first.
- The status quo is easier. I can keep doing what I’ve been doing. I may not continue to grow spiritually, but I will feel safe. Comfortable.
- Easier is not always better, so I know better than to follow the “easy” path.
- What He’s asking me to do may cost me.
- He’s worth the cost. I’ve promised Him I would do anything He wanted me to do, so why would I hold anything back? Whether it be my time, my health, my strength, my heart, or my finances, it shouldn’t matter. Anything means anything. It’s time to hold up my end of the bargain and do what I promised. (No, my promise has nothing to do with salvation. That was a free gift. It cost me nothing. It cost Him everything. I was bought with a price. The precious blood of my Lord and Saviour.)
I could go on counting my reasons for resisting, but you get the idea.
Romans 12:1
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
If our “reasonable service” is to present our bodies a living sacrifice. Then, our obedience is part of that. When I am called to do something for Him. I should do it! So, I’m starting on an unfamiliar path. It’s going to be different, but God is with me. He wouldn’t ask me to do something and then refuse to equip me for the job. So, it’s time to put all my trust and faith in the Lord and let Him use me for His purposes.
My answer is yes, Lord. Please use me as you see fit.
Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
(All verse references are taken from the Authorized Version of the Bible, commonly referred to as the King James Version.)
Powerful word!
So true–the status quo is definitely easier. But alas, we are not called to an easy life.