Bold Obedience
Several years ago, I was tired of making decisions alone, so I invited the Lord into the decision-making process. I'm not talking about "what's for dinner" decisions, although that could prevent a lot of marital arguments. And as a side note, nothing is ever too small or unimportant for God. He wants to be a part of your everyday life, so draw near to Him. But when it comes to decisions that affect my family or anything weighing heavily on my heart, I try to lay it down at Jesus' feet in prayer and wait for the Holy Spirit to guide me. This practice often allows me to sleep at night instead of staring at the ceiling, hoping my ruminating thoughts finally make sense of the situation.
The only problem with including the Lord in the decision-making process is when He doesn't choose the preplanned decision we already assumed would be the best way. The pesky white-knuckle control issue many of us deal with can rear its ugly head. It also provides the perfect storm for doubt to have a field day in our brains.
Recently, I asked the Holy Spirit for guidance with a big decision, and He responded in a surprising way. Surprise! It wasn't the decision I would have made on my own. After a two-day mini meltdown where I constantly doubted that I heard Him correctly, I accepted that I would obey and trust, knowing there could be earthly repercussions for Godly obedience.
Of course, the next day, I was given the first opportunity to exercise this faith in God's decision. I declined an invitation to participate in a new initiative and immediately met with opposition. They countered every time I politely declined, but God told me to click the pause button for an unspecified time.
In a split-second moment of boldness, I ended the conversation with, "Obedience often doesn't make sense at first, especially to others." Honestly, this choice didn't make much sense to me either. But I took a cue from the late Dr. Charles Stanley, who always said, "Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him."
In Acts 5, we see the apostles obeying God despite grave consequences. The apostles performed signs and wonders, healing the sick and driving out unclean spirits. Because of this, many men and women became believers.
Then, the high priest and Sadducees became jealous and imprisoned the apostles. An angel of the Lord freed the apostles and told them to go to the temple and teach the Word. The apostles obeyed the Lord despite the possibility of further persecution.
When the Sadducees found out the apostles were teaching in the temple, they brought them before the council. The high priest asked them, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!" (Acts 5:28)
And how did the apostles respond to a high priest who referred to Jesus as "this man?" Rather boldly. "We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging him on a tree." (Acts 5:29-30)
Not only did they declare their obedience and faithfulness to God, but they also set the record straight by saying their accusers were the ones responsible for Jesus' death.
Oh, to be a fly on the wall in that room.
At times, Godly obedience can be a sweet sacrifice. Other times, it is challenging and costly. We may lose relationships, be denied opportunities, face ridicule and embarrassment, or worse. But when we make ourselves available to Him, God will use us greatly for His good purpose and will never make us do it alone. The eternal reward always outweighs earthly punishment.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Are you at a crossroads in some area of your life? Include God in your decision-making through prayer and wait for Him to answer through scripture, wise counsel, or other revelations.
2. Is there something God has asked you to do that you are hesitant to obey? What is the next right thing you can do to move in obedience, no matter how small it may be?
