Obey Him
God was telling me to do something hospitable for another person recently. I did not want to. This person and I are so different. I would prefer not to get too close to them. So I ignored the prompting. However, it didn’t go away. So, then I made excuses. Like, “We’re opposite personalities” and “I’m too busy.” But my conscious through the Holy Spirit, wouldn’t let me forget. Finally, God arranged it so clear I had to do it. And I did, but not very well. Yeah, I could have done better. I should have. I realize that I have some spiritual maturing to do. However, this was more than just needing to love others better, it was about my obedience. Doing what God wants. Not what I want. I show God I love Him when I obey Him.
God told Jonah to do something for the great city of Nineveh. Jonah didn’t want to and ran from it. He boarded a ship going the opposite direction. But God arranged a violent storm, men who threw him overboard and for a fish that saved him. He had to face that it was time to do what God wanted. So, he obeyed. He brought God’s message to the city. Do you know what happened? This huge, important city turned from their sin and destruction. There were more than a hundred and twenty thousand people in it. It would be great to report that Jonah was abounding in love toward the Ninevites. Or joyful that he obeyed God. But he wasn’t. Just like me, he had a bad attitude. He didn’t even want these people to receive God’s loving kindness. Also, just like me he had some spiritual maturing to do. It amazes me that he had this opportunity to be used by God in such a big way but was greatly displeased by it. Yet, who am I to talk, I was barely obedient with one person.
Doing what we want can get in the way of obeying God. As always, Jesus is our perfect example. When facing the cross, He too asked our Heavenly Father if it was possible to take it away. Then wisely followed up with, “Yet, not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) Then He obeyed what God arranged. Enduring the cross, but anticipating the joy that was before Him. We too need to be obedient. To endure. Even when we don’t yet know what joy is before us. It’s hard, but it turns out so good when we obey Him!