[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Here are some of God’s more difficult directives:
- March around Jericho seven times in complete silence.
- Go to your Egyptian neighbors and ask for their valuables.
- Tie up your son and lay him on an altar as a sacrifice.
- Go to this foreign land and tell them I will destroy them.
- Wait by the side of the road for a eunuch to drive by.
When we think of obeying God, these are some of the images that might come to mind. And we start to think, “Wait…what scary thing might God ask me to do?”
The examples above were dramatic and extreme examples of obedience. The commands were also not the first thing God asked each person to do. Nor were any of these hearers unfamiliar with God’s power. Here’s the other important thing: obeying was their job. The results were God’s job.
God is similarly gentle with us. When He asks us to obey, He knows us better than we know ourselves. Jesus, comfortingly, said to His disciples, “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)
God’s care shows up even (maybe especially?) when He asks us to follow. To obey.
You were made to give life; you have looked into your pain, named your passion, and learned to offer your story.
Now it’s time for scary obedience. The march around Jericho began with one step. What one step is God asking you to take to Carry Hope?
Those examples above? Here’s how they turned out:
- Victory
- Favor
- Redemption
- Salvation
- Good News.
Pray: God, what one step of obedience are you asking me to take today? Will you remind me of how you have come through before and give me courage for this?
Sow: Ask someone to pray for your act of obedience. Be bold to share how God works in response to your obedience.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]