Obedience is not a moment: it is a process connected by countless moments. Jesus neither started nor finished obeying in John 12. Thanks to the Holy Spirit’s inspiration and John’s pen, what we witness in John 12 is a deeply significant (but not stand alone) moment in Jesus’ journey of becoming ‘obedient to death-even death on a cross’ (Philippians 2:8).
Alicia Britt Chole
One of the things I regret most in life is when I’ve had the opportunity to be honest about my own struggles but refused to share because I thought it was “holier” to act like I never had a hard time taking hold of God’s promises or living out my faith.
Holy is hard.
Being set apart for the purposes and glory of God is going to involve some real wrestling.
But it’s the every day habit of leaning in, taking hold and choosing obedience (along with the Holy Spirit’s enabling power) that will ultimately give me strength to obey and follow even when the path is dark.
Someone said, “Faith is a long obedience in the same direction”.
I love that.
Each day, sometimes each moment, I must choose obedience. It doesn’t come naturally.
I can’t rush it though. I have to bring my confusion, my hurt, my questions to Jesus and allow Him to guide my heart toward understanding (or if not understanding, trust IN SPITE of doubt).
If I try to fake it (prematurely “resolve” the issue) then I’m doomed.
Doubt and fear will surface again and sweep me off the path of obedience if I don’t acknowledge them and deal with them.
So for today, think about what doubts, fears, questions and concerns you’ve been sweeping under the rug.
Drag them into the light and allow the Lord to help you deal with them.
**As promised, I am sharing thoughts on 40 DAYS OF DECREASE (a Lenten journal/devotional). If you choose to get and use the book yourself, I’ll be a day behind in sharing so as not to influence anyone else’s experience.**
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