Do you ever go through “refresher” courses with the Lord?
Years ago God taught me lessons in obedience. He taught me to obey His voice and do the “correct” thing, no matter how small. For example: If I used a shopping cart, I needed to put it back in the CORRECT place — no matter how far away. If I saw trash on the ground, I needed to pick it up and not wait for someone else to do it.
1 Samuel 15:22
… Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
Small lessons like that grew into bigger lessons of course.
I guess I was put to the test again this past week. I was asked to do something at church. Out of obedience to the Lord I agreed to do it (though secretly I was afraid of stepping out of the boat again).
Later that day I went to the grocery store and from the moment I walked in there were items in the produce section on the floor. A head of cabbage here, some green beans there. A tomato in another section …
I have to admit, I don’t always bend over and clean up the mess others have left behind, but I felt the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudge so I DID. Do any of you ever experience times like this?
When I was asked to lead something Sunday morning, I could have easily said “NO!” If I had waited until I “felt” capable, worthy, or ready — it would have never happened, but I felt that gentle nudge to say YES.
All of this to say — God truly blessed my weekend because of my obedience. If I had said no, I would have missed the blessing.
How many blessings do we miss in life out of disobedience?
Lamentations 3:22-23
Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
God’s mercies are new every morning! Start today afresh and choose obedience.
Is there something He is asking you to do today, this week, this month, this year? What will you do?
(The picture was from a year or two ago at our church. My husband and I were standing with our pastor.)
Do I say ouch or amen? Great word and I love the title!!
I'm afraid I have to say "ouch" (taking this from Anitra's comment)…but I say YEAH & Amen to your obedience. Love ya
It is very difficult sometimes to step out of our "comfort zone", but when we know and trust that God leads the way, we can't possibly go wrong! So proud of you!
Why is obedience such a hard lesson for us to learn??!?! Thanks for stepping on my toes my friend! (((Hugs)))
LOL I put my shopping cart in the correct place and normally park fairly close to one of the corrals for that very reason. I don't usually pick up other peoples' messes but I'm sure I'll think about this post from now on when I see it.
I stepped out and decided to help with childcare at our church although I would rather be in small group every week. I'm doing it because I am needed and I am instructed to serve others. There are def. other areas where I need to step out and step up.
I am coming across some hard lessons these days. Obedience is hard indeed. 1 Samuel is a powerful verse Beth. Blessings.
I thought of this post tonight. Everywhere I went tonight there was a pen or pencil on the ground. I even walked by one in the parking lot 3 times. The 3rd time I finally picked it up.