Today, I was disappointed and discouraged. I would even say that I was throwing a bit of a tantrum with God (which is completely uncharacteristic for me). You see I had been praying for God to give me direction. I feel like there is a transition that is about to happen for me. I became excited about the possibility. Although I said I was open to a “no” from God, what happened left me saddened and uncertain.
Then God, in His gentle way, reminded me of a picture that I recently saw of American soldiers lined up at an airport waiting to depart. Those soldiers have no say in where they go or how long they stay. They follow orders without question, whether they agree or disagree. Their service is not political; it is based on what they are called upon to do (anytime and anywhere).
When I gave my life to Christ, I signed up for the same type of service to Him. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it (Matthew 16:24-25). Being reminded of the soldier and the Scripture, settled me down, put my journey into perspective, and allowed me to wait attentively for my next order.
I do not want you to misunderstand me. Our God is a Righteous and Loving God. He is not a taskmaster who wants to extract joy and happiness from us. In fact, His Kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). He wants what is best for you and me. Whether His Spirit is guiding us to stop or go, it is for our benefit. However, to truly be a disciple of Christ is to be willing to follow His leading, even when you are being led away from what you want. If you have not committed to becoming a disciple, I encourage you to do so. It is the best way and the only way to serve our Lord. Jesus accepts nothing less from us. Have you reported for duty or are you A.W.O.L. (Absent Without Leave)?
To be strengthened for battles, read It’s Time To Fight!
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Copyright 2020 T.L. Lockley. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
