So
often in life we fail to accomplish some goal that we set for our self, or we
fall short of getting that pay raise or promotion that we worked so hard to
attain. When we try in our own efforts to succeed, we often fail to achieve the
desired results.
As
branches, connected to the Vine of Christ, we produce the fruit of "repentance
from our sins" (Matthew 3:8). We bring God glory with every obedient step
we take. Regardless of the outcome of our efforts, He blesses us more than we
can imagine.
The
disciples gave us a great example of obedience. After they fished all night
without any success, they returned toward the shore. Jesus called from the
shore and instructed them to go back out and to throw in their nets on the
right side of the boat.
They
were tired, hungry and discouraged; yet they obeyed. As a result, they had to
get help hauling in all of the fish they caught (John 21:6). The disciples were
successful only when they obeyed the Lord.
They
followed His instructions explicitly and reaped the rewards. Sometimes, we
cannot see how the task God gives us fits into His overall plan until years
after the event. We suddenly find out how we made a difference.
At
other times, we will not even know the effect of our obedience until eternity
dawns for us, and God opens the eyes of our understanding. This is not
important, however. God always blesses our obedience in many ways.
Deferred
satisfaction provides a way of gaining assured pleasure in the future. It is
like making deposits into our savings account. God wants complete devotion to
Him from a dedicated heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:33). Sometimes,
that is the only result for which He is looking.
Prayer:
Father
God, the multitude of humanity, who fail to take advantage of the opportunity You
give to us to live in Your joy and peace on earth, will spend eternity
suffering more than they are ever hurting now (John 3:18). Incalculable anguish
and desolation is inevitable in this life, as well as in the next, whenever we
live outside of Your unique will for us.
Sometimes,
people give up after making a few attempts to follow Your will, because they
believe that they missed out on some imagined blessing that they counted on
receiving (Ecclesiastes 5:1). If they only waited a little longer and walked
with You a little further, the effort of their obedience would bring more lasting
rewards than reaping the results they were looking for (1 Samuel 13:13).
Thought
for the Day:
God
does not receive pleasure or praise in the results of the humanistic efforts of
our plans, goals and accomplishments; instead, He only delights in our
obedience to His will.
-
1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 51:17; Ephesians 2:8-10
