When it you seens difficult to obey God...

"I therefore exhort you, brethren, by the compassion of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which shall be your righteous worship." Romans 12.1

Years ago, when God called me to teach the Word full-time, my life was very different from what it is today. Our three children still lived under our roof and I animated a Bible study every week in our living room. Dave and I both had good positions and we were financially comfortable. But God began to sensitize me to the idea of ​​resigning in order to devote more time to studying His Word for a full-time ministry.

I beg you to make the decision not to lead a mediocre life ...

While firmly believing that it was the will of God and despite my desire to teach the Word and help others, I was afraid to make this no obedience. If I stopped working full-time, we would miss about $ 40 each month just to pay our bills. Moreover, it was not very clear at the time that a woman taught and exercised this kind of ministry.

So I kept my job until I was so unhappy that I could not do it anymore. I then resigned and took a part-time job to continue to provide for my needs, instead of totally trusting and obeying God.

I am a hard working and a good employee, so I was very surprised to be dismissed after some time ! At this point, there was no longer any doubt for me that God said to me : "I told you I did not want you to work outside, to strive to earn your living. At home to study my Word and prepare you by faith to answer my call."

This experience taught me a great deal about the importance of prompt and total obedience to what God put on my heart. Fortunately, by his grace, I ended by submitting to his direction. I took the step of faith that he was asking me, expecting him for all things. Once my decision was made, God miraculously provided month after month to allow us to pay our bills on time. And I had plenty of time to study the Word and let God prepare me to teach others the secret of an abundant life in Christ. But if I had not accepted to trust him and obey him entirely, I would not be doing what I am doing today.

It is said in Rom. 12: 1 "I exhort you, brethren, by the compassion of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which shall be your righteous worship. Paul says here in substance : "I implore you to make the decision not to live a mediocre, banal life, devoid of interest." Note that it also points out that this is a reasonable choice, that is, rational, intelligent.

It is so easy to settle for a life at a discount, because one refuses to assume responsibility for one's behavior or to consent to the effort necessary to accomplish great things for God and others. But the price of such a decision is actually higher than that of total obedience to his will.

Action for Today

When it seems too difficult for you to obey God, remember that he will never ask you anything without also giving you the grace and the ability to fulfill it. The important thing is to trust him completely and expect from him the strength you need to obey.

Joyce Meyer

Source (The Thought of the Day)