The Quickness of Obedience

      "Early the next morning," (Gen. 20:8) Abimelek wakes up to obey God and return Abraham's wife Sarah. "Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey" (Gen. 22:3), to offer his son as a sacrifice, in obedience to God. The servant of Abraham refuses food, so he can find out whether or not Rebekah will be offered as a wife for Isaac, thus fulfilling his oath. (Gen. 24:33). 

      Notice the quickness of obedience found in these biblical examples. Recently God has been patiently teaching me what it means to be truly obedient. My habit in life has been to act slowly. I justify this by thinking greater opportunity may come tomorrow. This always waiting for the best time attitude, has lead to lost opportunity. Sorrowfully, it has let fear and hesitation creep into my decision making. It has hurt those closest to me, who associate my inaction for not caring. It grieves the Holy Spirit. Procrastinating God's will is devaluing God's Word and sovereign timing. "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Rom. 7:24). 

     Most surprisingly to me is the incredible patience I discover God has for me. We recently got a puppy against our better judgment (expecting a newborn any day...). When it's 4:00 in the morning and the puppy starts whinging right after being taken out, my inward desire is to force this dog to be quiet. I've never done it, but the anger and frustration still pops out. I am amazed at how God does not force me to obey, but exercises great patience in teaching. 

Jeff Schumacher, our director at CMA regular reminds us as we teach obedience to our students that it is, "immediately, completely, and without complaint." My desire to obey quickly has led me to obey God's prompting to start a discipleship program for the teens here who want to go deeper in there faith. I am excited to announce that we rolled out the program yesterday, and 7 of our 14 current students have made a commitments to be disciples of Jesus. A year ago 1 or 2 students might have been interested in this, I am overjoyed at the atmospheric change in our student population. God is at work!

Pray that God will empower us to make effective disciples. Ask for a safe birth for mom and baby. Seek out greater obedience in Him.

Grace and Peace, 
Matthew and Family

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