day 20
OBEDIENCE
PHILIPPIANS 1:27-29 (NASB)
Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake
daily devotional
When God calls us to radical obedience, sometimes it involves less than appealing circumstances. There are times when walking with Jesus that we will walk through many things Jesus walked through. This may include seasons of temptation, trails, and even suffering. No matter what, we are called to walk in obedience, willingness, and in a manner worthy of the Gospel.
But …
What of when the road seems impossible to navigate?
What of when we get tired, feel weak, and worn down?
What of when the task seems too great and the requirements are too vast?What of when it’s difficult to see due to the darkness that seems to loom ahead?
Surely God wouldn’t call us into unknown, uncomfortable, and even seemingly unrelenting situations like this? God wouldn’t desire us to be sifted, tested, tried, and especially tempted? … Right?
God wouldn’t want us to be uncomfortable or to suffer … right?
Do we continue to walk in obedience even when the road seems difficult?
Do we continue to walk in obedience even when the days seem to get darker?
Do we continue to walk in obedience even when the path seems to be invisible?
Do we continue to walk in obedience even when we are tired and feeling burned out?
What does walking in a manner worthy of the gospel look like?
What if walking in a manner worthy of the gospel looks like embracing the cross?
Was Jesus serious when He said anyone who puts their hand to the plow and turns back is unworthy?
What if walking in a manner worthy of the gospel looks like unwavering, willing, and unconditional consistent surrender? Was Jesus serious about unity? Was Jesus serious about loving our brother and bearing with one another?
What of our enemies? Was God serious in Exodus, chapter 14, when He said all we need to do is stand still and remain silent, that He would fight our battles? Was Jesus serious about preparing a table for us in the presence of our enemies, which supposition would be to keep moving forward with Him, no matter what?
Is radical obedience truly non-negotiable when it comes to walking with God?
Is radical obedience truly what God desires, no matter what may be required of us, or requested of us?
“In vain I have searched the Bible, looking for examples of early believers whose lives were marked by rigidity, predictability, inhibition, dullness, and caution. Fortunately, grim, frowning, joyless saints in Scriptures are conspicuous by their absence. Instead, the examples I find are adventurous, risk-taking, enthusiastic, and authentic believers whose joy was contagious even in times of full trial. Their vision was broad even when death drew near. Rules were few and changes were welcome. The contrast between then and now is staggering.”
- Chuck Swindoll