Obedience is Key

What do you do when God gives you an idea beyond your current perception? Do you obey quickly? Or do you analyze and try to control every aspect of what needs to be done in order to get to where he has called you to be? I can admit that letting go and fully submitting my life to Christ was hard at first. I never stopped to realize just how messed up I was. However, I am forever grateful that he met me right where I was. So much has occurred over the last several years that has taught me a lot. My desires are no longer the same, my life is no longer the same, and I now have this unexplainable peace in knowing that things are going to work out for my good.  For years now I have been thinking about a few things that God had placed on my heart to do.  At one point I tried to block things out, but deep down I knew that I had an assignment to begin. What was stopping me? I would have to step out of my comfort zone. One of the hardest things for me to do is to be transparent. I have always been a reserved person, only letting in a few select people until one day I heard something that was so profound “There are others that are depending on your obedience”. Hearing this made me realize that I need to trust God’s process.

After many lessons I learned early on that man will always fail you, but God never will! Everything that you go through is for a reason. God can take all of your situations both bad and Good and use them to your advantage. Jeremiah 29:11 says “for I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (NKJV)  Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to those who are called according to His purpose”. (NKJV) As well as, Proverbs 3:5 reads “Trust in the lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (NKJV)

The bible says to seek first the kingdom of God and ALL things will be added unto you. We must remember to place God first in all things. One must really be ready to fully surrender, withholding nothing in order to allow God to have his way. He is not out to harm you, he is here to help you, protect you, and keep you on the path to righteousness. He cares about your soul, not your selfish desires that you will look back at one day and thank him for not allowing you to have that person or thing you so badly desired, the very thing that you thought you could not live without.

It reminds me of a child that desperately wants a toy, and is willing to give their parent the whole spill as to why they should have it. Only for the parent to say, NO, please wait and be patient. Despite the parent saying it with good intentions (not to be mean) the child cannot seem to grasp the concept that is much bigger than what their mind is capable of processing. Not willing to submit, the child neglects to wonder as to why things have transpired this way. They simply are focused on what they want, and their current emotions.  Not knowing that the parent has an even better toy in store for them. One that is far more amazing than the one they have in mind. What must they do to get it?  Submit! Submit to the will of the parent. Once the parent deems the child as ready and responsible then He gives the child the gift that has awaited them. Asking for nothing in return, the undeserving child then receives the gift with Joy and thanksgiving in their heart. As the parent watches the child proudly and lovingly  watching the child enjoy their new gift, knowing that they will always have the child’s best interest at heart, even when they can’t seem to understand, even when at first it may seem unfair. In the end it will always work out.

So my question is what are some of the things that you desire and God is telling you No! or wait, be patient? The real question is, are you willing to do a heart check and say "Father, I don’t understand this but I will submit. I lay down my selfish desires, I chose to let this go and allow you to have your way in my life." In trusting  that God is always with you every step of the way, protecting you, guiding you as lovingly as possible far more than anything you could have ever imagined. It is through Christ Jesus that we have access to the Father, Him knowing you before you were placed in your mother’s womb was reason enough to want to seek him for his desires for your life.

God is all knowing and all powerful, and has proven to be faithful and loyal numerous times throughout history as well as in your life. Count your blessing! Look at what you have already! Not what you don’t have. Trust in God and learn to be content in this season in your life. This will make you stronger! This will prepare you for your path and purpose! Everyone’s path is different, all set forth by the Father. I encourage you to spend time with him daily, seeking him and his will for your life, all the while asking him “Lord, what would you like for me to do?” Trust in him He will take you many places, places that you would have never imagined.

~ Lots of Love

Lakeda Deneen