OBEDIENCE GROWTH

It is encouraging to see how God recently provided me with another opportunity for growth. The best part is learning to walk in obedience and trusting God to provide what is needed to carry out His will. It is a testament to God’s power and the strength He provides to do things I never dreamed I could or would do. There is great freedom in it.

One January day, while running errands, I saw an email with the title “Guest Speaker” and a person’s name I did not know. Somehow I knew it was going to be a request for a speaking engagement, something that has been outside my comfort zone as an introverted writer. But my attitude was one of saying, “Okay, Lord. I know you are bringing this to me, so I will do it,” as I glanced quickly through the email. That attitude alone is progress for me!

This was my first endeavor to write a talk, not exclusively related to my writing journey, for an event that was held in April.  It was for a Ladies of Charity Morning of Reflection. When I learned about this organization, whose motto is “to serve, not be served,” and the different guiding principles of their ministry, I felt the best thing was to  encourage them. I was reminded of the similarities with Jesus’ three years of ministry. After I penned the rough draft, I felt that maybe I should start over. I was grateful for a friend who lent a few thoughts on improving it and encouraged me that it was a good route to go. Running the final copy by another person, who also said that it was good as it was written, gave me confidence to trust that it is what the Lord intended to be shared.

 

 

 

As I was driving to the venue, I thought about Jesus walking to Calvary. I felt it was possible I was experiencing some of the same thoughts that Jesus did during His final days on earth.

 

Jesus knew His time had come to surrender His life.

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” –Matthew 26:1-2 (NIV)

Jesus shared with His disciples, even two days before the Passover that the time was coming soon for Him to fulfill God’s will of being the Savior of the world. He walked in confidence, knowing the timing was divinely orchestrated.

I, too, knew my time had come to step out in faith, knowing I was ready to do God’s will by sharing with these ladies. It brought me a sense of confidence and to a place of peaceful surrender knowing I was being obedient.

 

Jesus knew there was power in praying to God.

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” –Matthew 26:36 (NIV)

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” –Matthew 26:42 (NIV)

From Scripture, we know Jesus often went off by Himself to pray to God. He needed that continual communion with His Father. Jesus was very honest with God, wanting the Father’s will to be done no matter how painful. He knew He could endure anything with God’s help.

A little before my reflection began, a lady I have known through the years, but rarely see, said she had been lifting me in prayer for my reflection. She knows how difficult it is to talk in front of a group of people, as she has done often throughout the years. It brought a smile to my face and comfort to know she had been praying specifically for me.

 

Photo courtesy of Teri Lynne Underwood under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)

Jesus knew His Father was accompanying Him through everything.

“Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” –John 16:30-33 (NIV)

Jesus knew that He was one with the Father, that Judas would betray Him, and that Peter would deny Him. Jesus knew the disciples would fall asleep while He was fervently praying. Humans would desert Jesus, but His Father in heaven would always accompany Him each step of the way. Jesus came to bring peace despite the troubles of this world.

On my way to the event, I knew God was with me, giving me the power and strength I needed. God never leaves us and provides what we need when we need it. Throughout the whole time, I experienced the peace we can possess in Jesus.

 

Jesus knew there was peace and joy in obedience doing God’s will.

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. –Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)

Jesus willingly endured the agony of the cross for you and for me. The cross was always a sign of shame and wrongdoing, but Jesus turned the cross into victory! The cross grants us the gift of eternal life because of Jesus’ obedience in doing God’s will. What peace and joy must have filled Jesus, especially when He was reunited in heaven with God!

My heart was filled with peace and joy throughout the whole time with the Ladies of Charity. Some ladies welcomed me, a total stranger, as soon as they saw me. I was blessed to meet some who said they read my weekly reflections or have a book already. I can honestly say I felt peace and joy as I shared my reflection with the ladies that morning. Dare I say it actually feels good to speak and share about God’s goodness?

 

Be encouraged this week to…

…surrender your life to God.

…know the power of prayer.

…know God is accompanying you each step of the way.

…live in peace and joy while being obedient to God’s will.

 

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. –2 Corinthians 12:9-10  (NIV)