Psalm 119: 11-12 Says; Your word have I hidden in my heart , that I might not sin against you. v.12) Blessed are You, O Lord!
Some of you may be familiar with this scripture but the question is how often do we live up to it? I must admit I'm guilty of not obeying when I should, sometimes we get in the heat of a moment of weakness and want our flesh to be fulfilled! I think there some basic principles to consider when trying to obey God's will and commandments for your personal life and growth.
The list of healthy spiritual habits to start with;
1. Believe in him whole heartily in all of his sovereignty!
2. Choose to live for him daily, he will guide your steps daily.
3. Obey him, surrender over your will to follow his plans which are perfect for you.
4. Thank him, for the past that saved you and future purposes he will use you in.
5. Serve him, by serving others in Christ and of the world that he may be glorified.
6. Earnestly seek to fellowship with him quietly and daily.
7. Share your testimony of grace and mercy he's shown you and how those individuals may come to know him and the plan he has for them also.
These steps can carry all of us a long way when they are practiced and lived-out daily, God doesn't want to compete for your time he wants a intimate relationship with you! How do your plans and priorities measure up with God's will and plans for you? May be you should have relocated but for some reason chose to stay, or maybe you took a job when the Lord wanted you to remain at home to care for a loved one. It could be that you're restless nights are happening because God wants you to serve in a capacity you've tried ignoring! What ever it may be God's ultimate desire is that your obedience to him leads you to a closer relationship with him!
My sister, stay focused, continue your mission!
God's word is living water and truth, I agree sometimes in the heat of the moment we are quick to make a decisions. I rememeber and mighty woman of God, my elder would say Sister Brock, always trust and obey and the Lord surly will make away. It is very important that we as women truly take God at His word and treasure it deeply in our hearts. It is His word that liberates us, it is His word that heals us, and it is His love that restores us. I love this post, I am going to have to focus on principle #6, because it very important to get still in a quiet place with the Lord!
ReplyDeleteIn the midst of my great confusion, God has always been the source of wisdom. Just few months ago, I was truly in great dilemma of whether to stay in the workplace where i already found support and love or to go to a strange busy city where i know nothing and no one. The workplace was a good place with good people, but the main thing is, i am missing the most important thing, which is the fellowship with my fellow christian. I feel like a working machine. Though I could say that God used me to bless the people there, but my soul is hunger for spiritual growth. I want to go to church. I prayed so earnestly to discern the will of God. Though God revealed me to move, but i was covered with doubt and fear. One day, a sister in Christ gave me "our daily bread" for personal devotion. I never said anything but just a thank, she said, " Janice, a ship is safe in the harbour, but it is not what it built for". I was crying praying to God, because everyday was getting harder for me. Circumstances were pushing me, but i just remained unmoved. I opened the booklet, and was directed to a page that says, " An important part of praying is a willingness to be part of the answer". I cried so hard and asked God's forgiveness. I doubted His power. The following day, i was staring to my patient (with severe dementia) and was just helping her in her activities of daily living, suddenly she said, " Love, i dont want you to go. I want you to be with us, butI love you so much. I dont want to be selfish. You have to go. My life would soon end, but you still have so many things you can do". I was truly surprised how a confused patient stated those things so clearly. I wasnt able to hold my tears. I hugged her so tight, and ask forgiveness in my mind. God has spoken to me, and He knows one reason behind my difficulty of moving was because of my great love for the patients. I talked my boss and asked permission to go, but he was so determined to keep me. He asked me to stay and offer me to start with the working visa processing. The working visa is the visa that every foreigners are praying/dreaming for. I know how tight the immigration in UK nowadays, and it would be great option for me if i do want stability but glory to God, i was unmoved. God is the best source of security and stability. God wants me to move, and with all my heart and being, I will move. I dont know the plan of God for my life, but just like what He says in Jeremiah 29:11,
ReplyDelete"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".
I know I am not meant to stay in my comfort zone, I am made to explore the world and made known to people the greatness and goodness of God.I thought it was difficult to depart the place, but God has been so good. My colleauges, my patients and even their families have given all their blessings in my journey. My boss told me, if thing will go wrong, the home is always open for me. I love them so much, and Ive been praying that I will be able to come back there not because I fail, but because i want to share the success God will be making in my life. I trust God He will make it possible. I am now in London, and so overwhelmed with the abundance of God's blessings. God is still unfolding His great plan for my life. I set aside the fears and leave my doubts behind.
OBEDIENCE entails putting your full trust to God's hands. LIfe is full of uncertainties, but only one thing is certain, God will neither leave nor forsake us. HE WILL BRING OUT THE BEST IN OUR liVES, but we have to allow Him to do it. WE may not understand His ways, but we need to OBEY and TRUST him.. HIS ways, not ours.. HIS TIMING, not ours.
Thank you my sisters in Christ for sharing what and how the Lord is choosing to use you both! Its always a blessing to know other women in ministry who desire the same things that you do! Thank you all!
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