Monday, April 2, 2012

No turning back....No turning back.

"And Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James, the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him."
~Matthew 4: 18-22

This Scripture really convicted me when reading it today. I got to thinking about my allegiance to my Lord. I feel I am very devoted to Christ, but would I obey regardless of what he called me to do? If I had to step out of my comfort zone, would I risk it all for the Kingdom of Christ? I must immediately follow him and not delay in my obedience. I must witness to others and make disciples, not when I have the time, but because that is God's plan for me. His still voice whispered in my ear, "Be so close to me that you don't doubt what I told you to do. Abide in me so that my thoughts become yours and my plan for your life becomes yours. Fall in love with me so that you will desire what I desire. You need to just surrender everything daily so that you can follow me with passion."

I remember a wise preacher saying, "Delayed obedience is disobedience." It stuck in my head forever, but sometimes I try to ignore the advice when I feel God prodding me to do something uncomfortable. It's not easy showing love to those that mistreat you. God says, "Love them." If I don't, then I am not obeying God. If God tells me to encourage a stranger that is having a hard day, I should be light to that individual. If I have to risk my life to take the gospel to someone that has not heard of Jesus Christ, then I must be willing to obey. Following God should be my sole desire in life. All else will fall in place when I seek God with all my heart.

Oh, how God's whisper made me realize that I don't have to obey Him in my own strength. Since Christ lives within me, His strength is mine. I hold a renewed passion for my King of Kings. I desire to share with others about His grace, His mercy, and His holiness. I desperately need to show His love to everyone, not just the people that are easy to love. His voice should become mine and his feet should be where I go. "Here I am, Lord. Send me!!!"