3 1/2 years ago, our family moved to Austin…however, our hearts did not readily move. I can easily recall the reluctance of our 3 children as if it were yesterday. They wanted to believe that we had heard from God and yet, their sweet little hearts did not want to move on. They did not want to leave their familiar world consisting of family and friends. I happened upon this drawing my son had made just days prior to our move. His words sum it up well, “I don’t want to move.” When God asks us to do something, we often respond this same way.
I. Don’t. Want. To!
I don’t want to forgive. I don’t want to make the first step towards reconciliation. I don’t want to tell others I’m a Jesus freak. I don’t want to love the unloveable. Here’s what it boils down to: I don’t want to obey.
A four letter word. Obey.
We command it from our kids and yet when we hear if from God ourselves, we quickly excuse ourselves. Doubts come crashing in like a tidal wave, “Surely that wasn’t God!” We come up with excuses and reasons why God must be off of His rocker. Often the most difficult task requires us to get over ourselves. Get over our insecurities. Get over our comfort. Get over our pride.
If we don’t see God working in our lives, one of the first places to examine is our very own hearts.
Have we been obedient to what God has called us to do? Not just in big ways…but in the small, everyday things. Do we spend time with Him and then do what He says? My husband often says, “I don’t think God put us on earth to be wasting our time.” It’s so easy to fall into the mundane. Routine can quickly take over. We can be dulled by endless comforts.
“You’re sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let’s not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let’s keep our eyes open and be smart.” I Thessalonians 5:4-5 The Message
Let’s wake up. Let’s hear God’s voice afresh and anew. Let’s keep our eyes open and be smart. God is calling us to move forward, not back. He is calling us to obey in order to hear His voice again.
He has something in store for you…yes, you. And He wants to use you to share His light.
“People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we’re creatures of Day, let’s act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.” I Thessalonians 5:6-8 The Message
If my family had never moved, we would have never heard the call to adopt. If my family hadn’t moved, we would not be involved in missions in Haiti. I wonder what else we would’ve missed out on if we hadn’t moved.