He said to them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition, says: ‘If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I have relented concerning the disaster I have inflicted on you. Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear. Do not be afraid of him, declares the LORD, for I am with you and will save you and deliver you from his hands. I will show you compassion so that he will have compassion on you and restore you to your land.’ – Jeremiah 42:9-12
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 40-42; Hebrews 4
Sometimes obedience isn’t an easy thing. Sure, it sounds great when we think about the things that God tells us when it comes to pursuing our dreams. It is awesome to think about how our obedience can lead to us reaping rewards that we have always dreamed about.
But what if those same tasks that God has given us cause us to confront things that we don’t want to see?
Maybe they are old memories and experiences that we’d rather leave in the depths of our souls. Maybe they are old friends, family members and acquaintances that hurt us because of what they did to us or did not do for us. Maybe they are unjust systems and organizations that govern our lives: the companies we work for, the places where we worship, the governments that rule our lands.
Maybe they are old memories and experiences that we’d rather leave in the depths of our souls. Maybe they are old friends, family members and acquaintances that hurt us because of what they did to us or did not do for us. Maybe they are unjust systems and organizations that govern our lives: the companies we work for, the places where we worship, the governments that rule our lands.
Obedience to God doesn’t come with the promise that there will be nothing to fear. These are times of great change, which is very exciting! But with great change also comes great resistance. Just ask Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi if you have any doubts about that.
Yes it might be scary to obey what God has put in your heart but have courage and fear not! When you think about it, the promise of what God has to offer on the other side is probably a lot less scary than the reality of where you are right now.
Take a chance on obedience. You will be rewarded handsomely.
Hello Man of God, I agree! To fulfill God's plans, you must learn and grow accustomed to stepping out courageously in obedience.
ReplyDeleteCourage is an attribute of faith. This is what a life of faith looks like. In obtaining God's best if we could do it within our own selves, there would be no need for God or faith.
I'm understanding so much more clearly what's going on within my own circumstances. God wants to show out for me, so I've gotten out of the way by surrendering to God's obedience and letting God be God while I "work" my faith.
Love you!
"the promise of what God has to offer on the other side is probably a lot less scary than the reality of where you are right now."
ReplyDeleteI hope so. :-)