Permission to Live FreeShembull

In the Old Testament Samuel declares to Saul, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).

Too often we behave as if we can perform our way into God’s good graces. So we make a big show of giving up food by fasting. Or we might even sacrifice financially to give money to God. But what if that’s not what He was asking for? What if God had said, “I want two minutes of our time”? To obey, says Samuel, to do what God is asking of you, is better, in God’s eyes, than your big showy sacrifice.

I can almost hear God whispering: “If you would just listen to My voice and obey, you’ll find yourself in alignment with My will. Obedience is everything that I desire for you. So when you obey, I’ll protect you. I’ll care for you.” . . .

There’s this special provision that accompanies obedience. When we obey, we experience what God has for us. That’s not true when we go our own way.

As we learn to be women of obedience, we want to obey. And we begin to seek God’s voice so that we can obey. Let’s determine, together, that when we hear God’s instruction we will obey.

God, do you want me in this church?

God, do you want me in this relationship?

God, do you want me in this job?

And when we do this, our yes and our no align with God’s yes and no. That’s obedience. . . .

And when you give God your yes, He’ll lead you to the next door. And when you offer Him your next yes, He’ll lead you through that door and to the next. Following God is as simple as agreeing with His yes.

But to keep it real, just because it’s simple doesn’t mean you’ll get it right every time. Like that little child learning to walk, you’ll stumble. You’ll topple over. Obedience is the same. You have to practice it. And Sis, it’s worth it.

Prayer

Lord, please forgive me for my disobedience, and please open my heart to hear Your instruction. Amen.