Trust And Obey

I was invited to a community Bible study a few weeks ago in the new community my husband and I have moved to. So, I went, and I love being a part of it. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to attend every time, but I have been to a few. The study guide we are working through is terrific. Even though I’m just on week two, I am learning so much from each lesson. So far, there has been a considerable focus on two c words: community and communication. The name of the study is Discerning the Voice of God, written by Priscilla Shirer. You should check it out sometime. I highly recommend it!

Between the Bible study, my Sunday school lesson, and every devotional I have picked up over the past 4 or 5 weeks, I have seen one word in common with all three: obey. No way are these by chance or coincidence. I believe the Holy Spirit is sharing the word obey with me because God wants me to receive that message. Is there a word you’re hearing repeatedly? Are you like me and seeking clarification? The only way you and I will ever find clarification is through a relationship and communication with God. He’s the one sending the message; therefore, He’s the only One who can clarify. My conclusion about all this is that I need to meet with Him more than I am. 

I once heard a lady on a podcast say successful people have weekly business meetings with God. They have a scheduled time every week to meet with God and discuss finances, business ideas, and weekly plans. I guess I thought since I am a teacher and not a business-minded person, I didn’t need a weekly business meeting with God. However, at that moment, I failed to see that business is a broad category with many much smaller subcategories underneath it. Subcategories are anything I need God’s counsel with—children, spouse, siblings, work, vacation plans, etc. 

My son once told me God didn’t have time to deal with his petty issues. John 3:16 starts, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” That says that I matter so much to God, and He wanted a relationship so much with me that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice to bear all the sins in the world so that the door to approach Him would be open— forever opened. Jesus’ death on the cross allows me access to God anytime, anywhere. 

But how often do I access that door? Do I always access it by embracing, creating, and growing the relationship with God? Do I call on God only when I need Him? Do I call on Him only when I’m worried or concerned? Am I obeying what He says to me? Or am I repeating Israelite history by complaining, questioning, doubting, and holding onto reality, not faith? God cannot be defined by what I think “reality” looks like. 

For me, it’s been chasing other people’s talents for a while now. One of my Sunday school boys and I were talking during class recently, and I asked him what his number one talent was. After thinking for a few minutes, he said his gift was talking. We both laughed because it’s something he and I have in common. Neither one of us has ever met a stranger. We’ll both speak to a tree! The root of my chasing other people’s gifts is that they have something I “think” I want or need. To have whatever that “something” is, I must do what they do. 

Recently Tim made a beautiful bench out of one of the old logs from his granddaddy’s shed. The log was over 100 years old. There were a few spare pieces of wood left. So, I got this big idea I would burn some artistic designs on them and then sell them. The lady here who can’t even draw appropriate-looking stick people purchased herself a wood-burning tool. I couldn’t wait to get started. About five minutes into the experience, I realized I was chasing the wind. I know it’s Satan who has me chasing distractions all the time. It’s disappointing that I never realize it until I’ve wasted time chasing them. I love this quote I found on a website called Bible Reasons. “When satan sends distractions, they never look like distractions until they are finished… distracting you.”¹ 

It sounds like I need a tool of weaponry, right? Did you know scripture is a weapon for us to use in battle with Satan? Jesus quoted scripture to the devil when the devil tried to tempt Jesus. Someone else who knows scripture is Satan. He quoted scripture to Jesus as they stood on top of the temple, and Satan tried to get Jesus to question God’s protection. Satan quoted Psalms 91:4 to Jesus. That must mean that Satan understands the power of memorizing scripture. So then, why is it so hard for us today to write God’s words on our hearts?

I think we always expect to have access to God’s words. I can get it on my computer or phone whenever I want. But what if a time came when I had no internet access? After living through the challenges of Covid, challenges I never expected to see in my lifetime, I know anything can happen. God says to write His words on our hearts, and believers should obey. The verse I choose to write on my heart today is from Proverbs 4:25, “Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you.” I hope you will join me in writing scripture on our hearts. And I pray there never comes a time when we cannot read God’s word. 

I have a gift for you with this post as a big thank you! I’m so excited! Y’all know how I love books. So, step 1, tag someone you think would enjoy this blog. Step 2, in the comment section, put the word Done. Then, on Friday, May 12, 2023, I will use an app to select one lovely person to receive a copy of a devotional called God Hears Her! 

Best wishes for a wonderful week!

¹Chery, Fritz. “25 Major Bible Verses about Distractions (Overcoming Satan).” Bible Reasons | Bible Verses About Various Topics, 17 Apr. 2023, https://biblereasons.com/distractions/.