As Christians, we all resist God's direction...some more than others. Admit it. But what do we use for an excuse?
1 – God, was that really your direction? We think that if we respond this way, it gives us a reason to delay acting on it...indefinitely. Big mistake! Remember those famous words, “Hath God said?” Remember who said them? Yes, the serpent (Lucifer) in the garden of Eden said them to Eve when tempting her (Genesis 3). Then he proceeded to use her doubt to fill her ears and heart with his part-truths. Often, you will not be sure if it’s really God until you act on it in faith. As long as it’s not stepping beyond scriptural truths, it’s worth a try. If you goof up, accept it in humility as a learning experience…and keep going.
2 – That’s not my ministry/calling. That may be true, but, remember, you’re a servant of the Father. He knows your ministry, because he made you and gave you your skills, experiences, and passions, and his definition of how he’s going to use you may not fit your ideas of what you can and cannot do for his glory. His glory. Not your glory. I once heard a very wise man say, regarding praying for healing for someone, “I don’t take the glory, and I don’t take the blame.” It all belongs to our Father. It’s up to us to simply do our best to be obedient.
3 – What do I have to offer?! Also known as, who am I to think God can use me? It’s easy to say, “I’m a nobody. I’m not talented in that area. There are others much more talented, skilled, attractive, well-connected than I am.” But, be advised that God actually used a donkey and spoke through him to Balaam (Numbers 22:21-35). When in China, I fully realized that, if God can use a donkey, he can use me. I have to tell myself this when I’m nervous, or embarrassed, or fearful, or intimidated about doing something that has the potential to extend God’s blessing in a situation. “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).
4 - ____________________________ (fill in the blank) – add your own excuse here. Then search scripture to see what God says about it. Send it to me in the comment section and it may be added to the list.
Obedience is very important to our Father. This is how he uses us to be his ambassadors to those dwelling on earth. That doesn’t mean we run around telling people, “God told me to do/say this!” If it’s truly God telling us, they’ll know. We don’t have to announce it. When we do it, or speak it, the results will tell. Then again, we may not even see the results. I have heard that it was Billy Graham who said, “It takes 40 people to bring a person to Christ. The first one thinks he did nothing, and the last one thinks he did everything.”
There are books and sermons on hearing God’s voice, but a good start is to silence your own thoughts, agenda, wishes, and requests, and just listen to him. Read his word. Be receptive. And in the midst of your activities during the day, stop to ask, “Is this your nudging?” Try it, and you just may find that life is full of adventure!
To obey is better than sacrifice…1 Samuel 15:22
1 – God, was that really your direction? We think that if we respond this way, it gives us a reason to delay acting on it...indefinitely. Big mistake! Remember those famous words, “Hath God said?” Remember who said them? Yes, the serpent (Lucifer) in the garden of Eden said them to Eve when tempting her (Genesis 3). Then he proceeded to use her doubt to fill her ears and heart with his part-truths. Often, you will not be sure if it’s really God until you act on it in faith. As long as it’s not stepping beyond scriptural truths, it’s worth a try. If you goof up, accept it in humility as a learning experience…and keep going.
2 – That’s not my ministry/calling. That may be true, but, remember, you’re a servant of the Father. He knows your ministry, because he made you and gave you your skills, experiences, and passions, and his definition of how he’s going to use you may not fit your ideas of what you can and cannot do for his glory. His glory. Not your glory. I once heard a very wise man say, regarding praying for healing for someone, “I don’t take the glory, and I don’t take the blame.” It all belongs to our Father. It’s up to us to simply do our best to be obedient.
3 – What do I have to offer?! Also known as, who am I to think God can use me? It’s easy to say, “I’m a nobody. I’m not talented in that area. There are others much more talented, skilled, attractive, well-connected than I am.” But, be advised that God actually used a donkey and spoke through him to Balaam (Numbers 22:21-35). When in China, I fully realized that, if God can use a donkey, he can use me. I have to tell myself this when I’m nervous, or embarrassed, or fearful, or intimidated about doing something that has the potential to extend God’s blessing in a situation. “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).
4 - ____________________________ (fill in the blank) – add your own excuse here. Then search scripture to see what God says about it. Send it to me in the comment section and it may be added to the list.
Obedience is very important to our Father. This is how he uses us to be his ambassadors to those dwelling on earth. That doesn’t mean we run around telling people, “God told me to do/say this!” If it’s truly God telling us, they’ll know. We don’t have to announce it. When we do it, or speak it, the results will tell. Then again, we may not even see the results. I have heard that it was Billy Graham who said, “It takes 40 people to bring a person to Christ. The first one thinks he did nothing, and the last one thinks he did everything.”
There are books and sermons on hearing God’s voice, but a good start is to silence your own thoughts, agenda, wishes, and requests, and just listen to him. Read his word. Be receptive. And in the midst of your activities during the day, stop to ask, “Is this your nudging?” Try it, and you just may find that life is full of adventure!
To obey is better than sacrifice…1 Samuel 15:22
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