Being obedient… even when it hurts
This morning’s devotional, from Lifetime Guarantee Ministries, challenges us to think about obedience by looking at the story of Naaman. How obedient are you? And exactly what role does obedience play in your relationship with Jesus Christ?
Do you sometimes wonder about your level of obedience? You approach the topic sincerely and very logically: “God loves me unconditionally. I believe that with all my heart. I also believe that there isn’t anything I can do to make Him love me more or anything that I can do to make Him love me less. What part does my obedience play in His plan for my life when I believe in His unconditional love for me?” [...]
[For Naaman,] searching the prophet out and telling him the problem was not enough. Hearing the prophet’s instructions was painful—it hurt his pride to think of doing something so demeaning. Naaman did not believe, but he was desperate. He did not understand the prophet’s remedy, but he was hurting. He merely humbled himself and obeyed, that’s all. He obeyed and that obedience brought healing. His life was rerouted—changed forever!
And you and me? We must allow God to be our God—we must submit to Him before we can submit to His plan for our life, before we can be all that He has planned for us to be. Obedience paves the way for His way—the only way. His way may be humiliating, embarrassing, something you would never dream of doing, something that seems absolutely ridiculous to you. But I have the courage to say to you, “Oh, please! You are here. Why not at least try what the Lord has told you to do?”
Read the complete devotional at Lifetime Guarantee Ministries.
Can you relate to Naaman? Have you ever chosen to obey, even if you weren’t sure you believed? If we’re saved by grace alone, where does obedience fit in?
All religion does not lead to the same God, some does not even recognize Jehovah as the One True God. Christians can support other charities that help to ease human suffering.
Obedience is a natural out flowing from a heart that loves unconditionally. It is not possible to love and not obey. Loving God means we want to please Him and pleasing God requires obedience. If you love me keep my commandments. Disobedience was the first sin it separated us from our heavenly father. Obedience to His will restores our relationship to Him.
being obedient to God pushes me away from my husband thats why its hard for me to me obedient I dont know how to please God and my husband without feeling ones being left out
Cynthia you should read 1 Peter 3 1-2. By honoring your husband and submitting to him, you are honoring God. You will be able to win him over when he sees how much your devotion to God leads you to being an awesome supportive wife…and it might get him interested in knowing the God that you serve. http://www.cityofangelsicc.org