When our true desire is to follow God’s leading for each moment of our day, we hunger and thirst to know His will for us. Whether the issues are small or large, we want to know God’s perfect plans for us in them. That is our source for true success.
Where should we move, work, live, etc.? Whom should we marry, minister to, how many children should we have, etc.? These are frequent questions about which we consult the Lord. Some feel that we need to test the answer to see if it is really coming from the Lord or our own mind (Judges 6:36-40).
This world will eventually pass away with all of its lustful temptations and carnal opportunities; however, for now we can simply follow the peace of God in our spirit. If we feel no peace about a decision, we wait on the Lord, and listen to His ideas.
Sometimes, God expects us to make radical changes in our lifestyle, location, vocation, etc. He did this to Abraham, and Abraham’s total obedience in blindly leaving his home and going to an unknown location gives us an example of the blessings of God, which He provides for those who obey.
As we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), we learn to trust the Lord’s plans for us. We eagerly delight in a new day in which to walk in His ways. Total surrender and immediate obedience will prevent us from reaping the consequences of our human understanding getting in our way.
God requires a few basic aspects from us: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8). He expects us to rejoice evermore, to pray without ceasing, and to give Him thanks for everything – the good and the bad (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
To continue, God’s Word instructs us not to be conformed to this world in which we live, but to allow His Spirit to transform our carnal mind to a spiritual one, and to offer our body to Him as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2). 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 is full of good advice about what God requires of us.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for helping us to count the cost of following after You, our Shepherd, and to eagerly decide that Your plans are always the best plans for our life. Obedience may require us to relinquish our pride, rebellion, fear, finances, comfort, security, etc.; however, You always pay big dividends.
You also prepare Your way for us before You ever call us to step out in faith. You call us to a more intimate union with Your Spirit within us. As our Good Shepherd, You continually have our best interest as the core of everything You require of us. Teach us to respond immediately when we sense Your peace, and not to hesitate until our mind talks us out of obeying Your ways and walking on Your path.
Thought for the Day:
Jesus paid a high price for our redemption, and the least we can do is to follow His direction in our life so that He can continue doing greater works through each one of us; He abides within every Born Again Believer, and He waits patiently for us to learn to wait on Him as we enter His rest.
