Are You Available? (Lessons in Obedience)

Last Friday night, I had the opportunity to speak to an amazing group of women about OBEDIENCE.

Our conversation was transparent, enlightening and encouraging, so I thought I would type up my notes and share them with you. I sincerely hope that you are blessed by what you read.

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• Obey- to comply with or follow the commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions of [someone or something]
• Definition #2: to submit, yield, or conform in action to (some guiding principle, impulse, one's conscience, etc.)

As Christians, our guiding principle is the Word of God. God is the Word (John 1:1) so we should never discount its power or worth.

Obedience will not always equal comfort or convenience but it is essential in our relationship/walk with God! (I'll talk about that later.)

Scriptures About Obedience

• John 14:15 (KJV)- If you love me, keep my commandments.
• (MSG)- If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you.

→ Just as we would obey our natural parents, we need to be willing to follow the directions that come from our Heavenly Father.
→ It's important to note that God's commandments are not limited to the 10 (don't kill, lie, etc.). They include whatever He instructs us to do- through His Word or even specific instructions that He lays on our hearts.

→ Remember that actions speak louder than words. We shouldn't be like Matthew 15:8- claiming to love/honor God if our hearts are actually far from Him. Let's strive to grow closer to Him!

• 1 Samuel 15:22- ... to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

→ Your tangible offering serves its own purpose (building the church/kingdom of God) but it will never be an adequate replacement for obedience.
→ Once you receive instructions from God, what will you do with it? It's one thing to have information and another to apply it to your life.

• Luke 10:27- Love the Lord thy God with all of your heart, soul, strength, and mind.

→ If we truly love God with our entire being, we will keep His commandments/do what He says.
→ As we devote those things (heart, mind- even body) to God, we shouldn't be as willing to give people access to them- especially when they probably don't deserve it.

Tips for Becoming (More) Obedient to God

1. We must Make Room (also the name of Jonathan McReynolds' new album- check it out!) for God in our lives by spending time in the Word, in prayer. . . even in fellowship with like-minded people so that we'll get better at recognizing His voice.
2. As I mentioned earlier. . . obedience won't always add up to comfort or convenience but as we grow in our love for God, our desire to please/obey Him will overpower everything else (doubt, procrastination, etc.). We have to get to the place where we're striving to obey God- whatever that looks like.
3. Don't ask questions. . . just obey! We have to remember that God doesn't have to answer to us. There's a reason why He is giving us instructions.
4. Although God will honor our obedience, we should simply obey out of love & sincerity- not looking for anything in return!
5. Our obedience is not just about us! Someone is probably depending on us to do whatever God is requiring of us.

Number 5 really hits home for me. A few months ago, I was driving to work when I felt God lead me to send a specific amount of money to a (newer) friend of mine. In my over-analytical nature, I started questioning various aspects of the situation. "Will she actually get it?" "Will she understand why I'm doing this?" "Do I need to send more?" "Should I even send this when I have my own bills/expenses?"

That only lasted for about 30 seconds (lol). I came up with a plan- bought a greeting card, wrote a short/sweet note, and mailed the money inside of it (anonymously). I was nervous yet relieved because I knew I was being obedient.

A couple of weeks later, I received a birthday present from one of my god-mothers. . . Believe it or not- it was the exact amount of money that I'd sent to my friend! I can't tell you how encouraging that was. It was as if God was saying, "Thank you for your obedience. Never doubt that I am with you." I felt reassured because I was certain that I'd heard/felt Him and I was grateful that I followed His instructions.

It gets better. . .

I ran into this friend and communicated with her- every now and then (after sending the card) but I didn't feel like the time was right to confirm that she'd received it. About 5 or 6 months after I mailed the card, we were talking (about our relationships with God and life in general) and I finally felt peace about confirming that she'd received the card.

Me: I know this is random but did you happen to receive a card, a few months ago?

Her: Was that you?! Did you send it?!

We laughed and thanked God because she had been trying to track down the sender and I just wanted to make sure that it got to her. As we talked, I found out that she received it- right when she needed it!

I truly was blown away!

God does all things well. We just have to have a heart and mind to obey Him. We will certainly be blessed for our obedience but it's amazing to think of the possible ripple effect- the number of people who will also benefit from our choice to be faithful servants and children of God.

Will you make yourself available to Him?