Obedience

Today's devotional assignment begins with 'Write out a declaration of intention to obey God at all costs. Pray and ask God to help you grow in obedience.' A declaration. A strong statement. But not only that, but at all costs. Am I truly willing to obey God at all costs? I know I am willing to obey Him at many costs, maybe even more than some of my friends, but at ALL costs? What about this new job of mine? It has taken me quite a while to get this job. I want it very much. I am helping to provide health insurance for my family.

Am I willing to put it on the line for God?

OK - put in that light, yes I am. But am I truly ready to go through with the actions that would cause me to lose it? Maybe not. I want to be. I truly want to be, but what would it take to be truly ready for that? And how would I really know it was what I am supposed to do? How would I know so completely that I would override my obedience to the job description for God?

I would have to be completely sure that it was from God, for one thing. Time with Him is important for that. As I spend time with God, I learn His voice and how to hear Him speak to me. It's just like any other friendship - the more time you spend together the more you recognize about the person. Learning His Word is critical, too. Testing everything that I sense may be from God against what He has said in His Word is important. God never changes, so His Word will never change. He will never ask me to do something that goes against His Word.

I think I can do that. I think I am ready to make that declaration.

God, I declare today that I will spend time with You every day, study Your Word, and spend time in prayer. I will learn to hear You and obey you at all costs.

You are my God.