God’s transitions require obedience as we choose to follow His will rather than our own. Jesus describes God’s will as the narrow road. Matthew 7:13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow, and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [1]
The Lord called Abram to leave his home and go to a place He would guide him to. Genesis 12:1The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” 4 So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him.[2]
According to our text, God told Abram to leave his home and go to a new home to fulfill the plans the Lord had for him. Although it is a gift to hear the voice of the Lord, it takes obedience to respond to that voice. As you quiet yourself, what is the Lord speaking to you about that requires an obedient heart?
Lord, Help Me Be Obedient
Have you ever asked the Lord for strength to be obedient? In life, there are many distractions and temptations, and we need God’s strength to follow Him. Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. [3] As you reflect on that verse, you may want to turn it into a prayer asking for guidance. “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God! Let Your Holy Spirit lead me on level ground!”
It is often in God’s strength that we move forward in life, not in our own strength. Moving forward in life on the path the Lord has for us is a spiritual battle, and our enemy, Satan, fights us at every step. As we begin to understand the struggle we are in, it becomes clear how much we need the Lord’s strength. As you read this, is the Lord prompting you to seek His strength?
Obedience to God Affects Others
As we follow the Lord through transitions, those around us are always affected because blessings follow obedience. This is seen in the life of Abraham. Often, it is only in hindsight that we see how being obedient to God’s calling affects those around us.
When I felt called by God to change professions and become a pastor in my mid-thirties, my wife and I had no idea how this would change the lives of our three small children. Thirty years have now passed, and the Lord not only changed my wife and me but also the lives of our children as they grew up. As we step into God’s plans, the narrow road may not be easy, but it will transform us, enabling us to be a light for others. God’s transitions require obedience; to learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-god-says-go
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation Tyndale House Publishers.