This morning in my quiet time, I heard these words, “But you would not.”
My mind went back to the many times in scripture when God tried to correct or warn His people. He gave them warning after warning. His mercy, even before Jesus, is absolutely amazing! We can see this throughout the Old Testament. He was not a God who gave one warning and then judgment hit – even though that could have happened. No, He was a God who warned His people time and again before judgment ever even began to come.
Jeremiah 6:16 is one of my favorite verses.
Thus says the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
The old path is God’s way, or the good way, the way of the Word of God. God is telling us to not only look for this path but also to walk in it. In this alone we have rest for our souls.
In a world of chaos, who would not want rest for our souls? I know I do. There is only one way to experience that rest, it’s on the old path, the good way – the way of the Lord.
Jesus said, “I am the Way, the truth and the life.” His way is the only way.
So, back to what I was hearing this morning, “But you would not.”
Is there something God or Holy Spirit has prompted you to do but you would not? It may be something simple like turn off the tv and read your Bible each evening. Or it may be setting aside time to get in His presence. It may even be taking off work early to spend time with your family. Are there things you sense you are being nudged to do, yet you are ignoring the nudge? Has He spoken but you would not?
In your finances, has God prompted you to get out of debt but you don’t even begin because it seems impossible? If He is prompting you, He has already made the way – He only needs your obedience to accomplish it. Last year, I watched Kelita pay off her vehicle by such a prompting. Some weeks she only paid $5 on her vehicle but she was faithful to pay every extra dime that came into her hand. By the end of the year, she was debt free. The thing I saw in her testimony is the more she obeyed, even when it was seemingly little, the more God put money into her hands to accomplish what He had led her to do. It was awesome to watch.
I am fully persuaded (by the Word of God) that regardless of what is going on in our world, God intends to bless His people beyond anything they can think, ask or imagine. This is the TRUTH and it’s a promise. However, we have a part to play.
Jesus came that we might have life and life more abundantly, however, there is a thief who is here trying to steal and kill and destroy the very things Jesus died to give us. Therefore, we must press into God and get His plan and follow that plan. If He leads us to do something, we must be quick to obey.
What is it that you are believing God for today? What is your deepest heart’s desire? Have you prayed and asked God if there is anything you need to do to accomplish it? Do you have a part to play?
If you believe for healing, are you taking care of your body? Are you speaking His Word over your body each day? Is there anything else He has led you to do?
If you are standing in faith for finances, are you honoring God with your money? Are you walking in integrity where finances are concerned? Has God led you to sow a seed or help someone else? Has He spoken but you would not?
Perhaps you are believing for restoration in a relationship? Have you done your part? Is there anything else God has led you to say or do? If so, just do it.
My friend, obedience is key. Obedience is better than sacrifice. If God is speaking, do not be one of those of whom He says, “but you would not.” Be quick to hear and even quicker to obey whatever God is telling you to do. He is trying to lead you on the good path, the prosperous way, the way of blessings – follow and obey. That’s our part.
