Around two years ago, I was walking the Hathaway Bridge and asking God what was next for me. I had recently stepped away from the classroom, in faith, without knowing what I’d be doing. As I began to seek God’s heart, He answered by showing me a picture of a wooden school desk in my bedroom, a place for me to write. He began to give specifics on what to do next. Yet, I started to question – is it just me, making it all up? As I continued to walk, I purposed, “God, I’ve asked You to show me, so I choose to believe that You are speaking!” From there, it was up to me to begin to do what He had said to do. It was up to me to walk out my obedience.
The Lord continues to speak to me and I’m challenged, each time, to obey. As I was reading in John chapter two the other day, I came to a straightforward directive on obedience. Mary was with Jesus at a wedding when the wine ran out. She believed that Jesus could provide for the situation, so she spoke to the servers with great faith and requested they respond in simple obedience.
Whatever He says to you, do it. ~John 2:5
Her words are piercing, like arrows, penetrating through the distracting noises of life. Can’t you envision her making the same request of us today? “Whatever He says to YOU, do it.” So simple, so direct, yet such a great challenge.
Speak Lord, we’re listening.
What has the Lord spoken to your heart? Maybe He’s asked you to take His hand and trust Him more. He may be asking you to let go of an identity you’ve held onto that didn’t come from Him. Perhaps He’s urging you to reach out to someone in His name. Whatever He’s saying, we don’t have to understand the whole picture, we just need to be obedient to His voice. We can trust that when God leads, He has a plan and a purpose and will provide the tools we need.
Remember Abraham’s obedience. He said yes to God’s voice, without understanding or knowing what God would do.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. ~Hebrews 11:8
When God called Abraham out from the life he had known, he said yes – in obedience, in faith, without knowing where he was going. This is often the type of obedience the Lord asks of us. The Believer’s Bible explains, “The walk of faith often gives the impression to others of being imprudent and reckless, but the man who knows God, is content to be led blindfolded, not knowing the route ahead.” We can trust the Holy Spirit inside of us, which we received when we believed in Jesus.
But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. ~John 16:14 (NASB)
Live within His love.
When we obey, like Abraham, we are living within the will and the love of God. Jesus doesn’t require us to measure up to other’s expectations, He simply finds joy in our obedience to Him. He purely delights in the times when we seek and follow His lead. It may not make sense to some, but it makes sense to God, and He sees the whole picture.
I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Live within my love. When you obey me you are living in my love, just as I obey my Father and live in his love. ~John 15:9-10 (TLB)
Lord, help us to hear Your voice and believe that You are speaking. We trust that what You ask us to do, You will enable us to do. Help us respond to You in obedience, believing that all Your requests are rooted in love.
