Obedience - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) June 2, 2023
In His infinite wisdom, God determined that human beings would be able to execute His judgments here on earth (Psalm 149:6-9). His word states that the very power that raised Jesus from the dead is accessible to those who believe in Him (Ephesians 1:19-20). Even Jesus said that human beings would be able to do greater than what He did while He was on earth (John 14:12).
Yet, there is a common misconception that human beings are incapable of doing the very things the Lord has stated that He wants them to do. Many are asking God to do things that He has empowered them to do. For instance, Jesus said those who believe in Him will drive out demons, pick up deadly snakes, survive poisonings, and lay hands on people to make them well (Mark 16:17-18). The earliest Christians understood the significance of believing in Jesus. Together they prayed for Apostle Peter's release and God sent an angel to release him from prison while the soldiers watching him slept like babies (Acts 12:1-18). We don't even have to go that far back to see examples of how the body of Christ used their spiritual weapons to have a heavy impact on the world around them.
Despite the foundation laid for us, so many self-professing Christians feel powerless in this day and age. Why do so many think that God's power only moves for certain people and not all believers? Or, that the God of the Old and New Testament is now on holiday?
Part of the issue is simply obedience. We each have to learn to fully submit to the Lord so we see even more of His might. Consider what Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 10:6 - And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient (NLT). Imagine that! When more of us in the body of Christ is fully obedient, then the disobedient will be punished!
God wants you and I to act as His hands on earth. He wants those who believe in Him to put the wicked and disobedient in check through His power. He has said He is building us up to be vessels for His purpose. He has stated we shall be the instruments He uses to remove obstacles (Isaiah 41:15-16). He has told us not to be afraid of anything that He is with us (Romans 8:31). In fact, before we were ever born, He had a plan to use each of us mightily (Romans 8:29). Unfortunately, our disobedience limits our capacity to take what God has planted in us and do more than we have done so far.
Unfortunately, we are holding onto behaviors and thought patterns that need to go. For one person, it could be unforgiveness. For someone else, it's jealousy. Another person might be struggling with fornication, while a different person has to let go of lying. God wants us to obey Him in the little and big things. If we let Him, He will show us how we've been disobedient and how this has prevented us from doing the greater works Jesus promised. And if we agree to obey, He'll take what seems like a small step to us and magnify it. He will help us to get stronger in our obedience to Him. There will be good days and less than stellar days but He will never let go of our hands as we journey toward full obedience. And as the months go by, we will grow spiritually and do the very things Jesus said His believers would do.
Are you ready to obey? Are you ready to become God's hand here on earth? To step into your calling as His royal priesthood? Today is the day to make this choice because tomorrow could be too late. If you are ready, let's pray the following:
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me with a great plan for my life. I want to step into Your plan for me. I understand that my disobedience and sin have stood in the way of this and so I repent. I am sorry that I haven't walked truthfully with You and today I submit to Your will, Your word, and Your purpose for me. Take my hand and help me Lord. Grace to obey and be built for Your plans that my life brings You glory here on earth, IJMN Amen.
Glory to God! Come on back for fellowship when we'll worship together and take steps toward becoming God's instruments by praying for people and the world. See you at Noon EST!
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