In
my attempts to walk in the Spirit, God is using some unusual object lessons to
teach me some valuable lessons. For instance, during a shopping trip, God
impressed upon my spirit to check out the sales in the shoe department for pool
shoes.
I
already possessed a wondrous pair of Speedo pool shoes, so I spent the rest of my
time in the store praising God for His abundant provision for me.
The
next day, the very next day, my shoes were stolen at the pool. My Father God
attempted to provide for me before I even realized my need. However, I chose to
praise instead of to obey (1 Samuel 15:22).
The
fine tuning of my spiritual ears made a giant leap that day (Matthew 11:15). I ended up
ordering a cheap pair of pool shoes online; however, for the following week, I had
to wear my shower shoes to the pool.
The
flip flop construction of the shower shoes rubbed a bruise on the bones between
the toes of both of my feet. Even after the new pool shoes came in the mail,
those bruises were a painful reminder to not only listen, but also to obey the
leading of God’s Spirit.
Another
morning I woke up and the Spirit told me to go out and fertilize my garden
plants. I anticipated doing this the next time it rained, but I did not want to
go outside before I was even fully awake.
I
listened to Mother Nature murmurings outside as I rolled out from under my
covers, and realized that it was already pouring rain outside. I wanted to
snuggle back under my covers and snooze a while longer.
Remembering
my bruised toes, I immediately slipped on my house dress and pool shoes,
grabbed the bag of flower fertilizer and went outside.
The
rain instantly gentled to a slow drizzle while I spread the nutrients around my
three flower gardens. As I washed my hands in the kitchen sink after the chore,
I enjoyed the beauty of one of the gardens outside of my window.
I
also noticed that the drizzle changed back to a pouring rain - God’s perfect
timing. I am so glad that this time I obeyed His Spirit immediately, or I would
have resembled a drowned rat if I waited until I fully woke up to obey.
God
graciously gave me that perfect window of time to nurture my plants. I see a
pattern developing. God rewards all of my efforts to obey, as I learn to walk
in His Spirit each moment of my day.
Prayer:
Father
God, You are not really interested in pool shoes and flower gardens, but You
certainly do care about my obedience to Your Spirit. You have a perfect work
for me to do with my life (Ephesians 2:10). As I walk in Your Spirit, I will
see the fruit of Your labors through my body, soul and spirit (Galatians 2:20,
5:15-25).
Thank
You for caring so much for each individual part of Your Body (1 Corinthians
12:12). We would never have enough time to give You the praise You deserve, if
it was not for the fact that we will live for eternity and worship with the
angels around Your throne.
Thought
for the Day:
To
obey the Lord is much more important than making sacrifices for His glory. - 1
Samuel 15:22
