All in Obedience
God whispered to my heart that sometimes, He needs us in the boat alone. Following
Him might mean parting ways with friends, family, or ministry partners who are heading
in a different direction. It isn’t easy; Christ-followers are often called to stand alone,
brave isolation, or even face persecution for the truth.
Each Sunday I check my calendar for the coming week and count the mornings I do not need to set my alarm. Waking up to the natural light of day rather than waking to an alarm ranks near the top of my list of small pleasures.
God knows we need boundaries, and He has established many. He set boundaries in marriage, morality, parenting, and even in our thoughts. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble…right…pure…lovely…admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8). All of God’s boundaries are for our good and His glory.
Isn’t that just like us. We point out other people while excluding ourselves. The Bible tells us about the Pharisees who constantly mentioned everyone else’s shortcomings, but did not believe they themselves had any. What a pious way to live. Also, what a way to turn people away from Jesus instead of toward him. Compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient did not describe the Pharisees at all. I do not want the same to be said of me.
When you're faced with a decision, what guides your response? Do you act based on emotion in the moment, or do you pause, pray, and thoughtfully consider your options? And when you sin—what’s your first reaction? Do you blame, ignore, make excuses, or repent?
Sometimes, He calls us to a role for just a season. Other times, the assignment lasts for years, even a lifetime. When I was actively serving and encouraging women in vocational ministry—walking alongside women’s leaders while living life, parenting, church, and community—I came to realize that discipling and leading women wasn’t just something I did. It was a deep calling. And it still is.
Excuses were rampant. It’s not the right time (Haggai 1:2). We have to panel our own houses (Haggai 1:3). We don’t have enough food nor drink nor warm clothes nor money (Haggai 1:6). But God was quick to counter: your problems are of your own doing (Haggai 1:9-11).
Have you ever hidden something and forgotten where you put it? Not only did you conceal it from others, but also yourself. How frustrating! Not so with God’s Word. When memorizing and cherishing his word in our hearts, accessing it brings quite the opposite. It brings victory and peace.
Fallible human, infallible God -- while we may not achieve perfection, Psalm 119:1-7 assures us we can live blameless lives by “walking according to the law of the Lord, seeking him with all of our heart, praising him, and learning from his righteousness.”
Our eyes were opened to see just how busy we are. Sometimes God has to "still" us to get our attention. He got our attention! If we aren't careful, we can make an idol of routine and schedules. Each day presents a different set of circumstances. We need some still time to enhance our awareness of God's presence with us.
A closer inspection turns to introspection, making me wonder if somehow I am exchanging my Glory, my precious Savior, for idols of my own making or my own imagination. Do I rely on people in my life to do for me what only God can do?
I’d patched it twice—a dab of spackling and a dollop of paint. I noticed it again while dusting the mantle. That small crack in the wall had returned. As I poked around, I discovered additional soft spots surrounding the crack. This could not be good! Bob-the-handy-man agreed. It could be water damage, dry rot or, even worse, termite damage.
I awoke from my nap in a panic. I was going to be late to rehearsal. I ran to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. My mascara was smeared, my lipstick was gone, and one earring was apparently left on my pillow. What did I do? I started making these things right! I began a repair project!
I remember the year this verse became permanently embedded in my faith. I was in my thirty’s and was called to lead a ministry that required time, skill, and wisdom I didn’t have. Frankly, I couldn’t understand why God had chosen me for the position. Throughout the year difficulty after difficulty surfaced. In my weakness, I remained bowed spiritually and often physically.
Ever tried to do something really difficult? Maybe take a few steps to get it done. Survey the necessary course of action, but never quite take it?
Normally I keep my Bible right by my bed. I know it does not have magical power, but I like having it near. Having it right there certainly does make it easier to grab and jump right in to reading the wisdom filling it.
If you are in ministry—whether leading, teaching, serving, or simply showing up—remember this: one day, someone else will carry the work forward. How are you preparing for that handoff? How can you support those who come after you
When was the last time you were genuinely afraid as you faced an enemy? As I write this, someone dear to me is walking through a storm stirred up by adversaries. Thankfully, she is surrounded by an army of prayer warriors, lifting her and the situation before the Lord. Still, facing enemies is never easy—it’s painful and deeply unsettling.
Wouldn't it be an incredible affirmation to hear God say about you, She did everything just as I commanded? Exodus 40 highlights this very commendation for Moses' diligent work in setting up the Tabernacle, God's dwelling place among His people in the wilderness.
