I wonder, how open we are to hearing and obeying when the Lord speaks differently ?If our identity is in the one Who calls us then there are two prominent aspects to this journey ; learning to hear Him and being obedient to His voice. This is what the Lord was saying through Prophet Samuel to King Saul ;“Obedience is greater than sacrifice” 1 Samuel 15:22 (NKJV)
Samuel said:“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,As in obeying the voice of the Lord?Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,And to heed than the fat of rams.
The Lords voice through Samuel brought a challenge ; it was different than Saul had ever heard before. He had given Saul a clear (prior) instruction and all he needed to accomplish that command but there was an issue of popularity verses obedience to God’s voice ! History tells us Saul’s response to this new word, and it tells ; it was not a good response or outcome ! I wonder when the Lord speaks differently to you, how open you are to hearing and obeying Him ? Your history will tell of your answer too !
So here is your challenge today
1. Ask the Lord if there are things you have missed or put off while waiting for confirmation ? Is doubt or confidence a factor in your response to the voice He spoke in ? If so it’s time to re-examine His directions and start doing them, no matter what the cost ! *2. When was the last time you reviewed your sacrifices and asked the Lord ; what do I need to change ( offering, tithing , giving, serving etc) ? Maybe pray this prayer : ‘Father God with all I give, what do you want me to stop, change or increase’ ? 3. Are there things you should have done, that the Lord has asked you to do but you have put off ? * If so, say ; ‘Father God I know you have asked me to ……….. what is holding me back’ ? 4. Write down all He has shown you. Now you have homework. With each of these revelations He has shown you say a prayer like ; ‘Father God you said ………… what is my next step’ ? 5. Give thanks for all He has done and is doing in your life . All He is revealing and changing in the course of this journey to your true identity.
Let’s pray
Father, I thank you for your voice, commands, directions and statues. For these are the building blocks to our identity through You. I ask that You help us recognise every word You give us and that You also give us the strength to obey Your word no matter what the cost ! Amen
Note * Adapted from Joyce Meyer’s note: ‘Don’t Run’ !*We know God is a God of second chances, even in Old Testament times we have the record of Jonah ! There are several examples in the Bible of godly men and women, such as Jonah, who ran from their circumstances, from their calls and assignments or God’s will ! The truth is, the only way we can be free is too stop trying to avoid it, turn and embrace it boldly, and go all the way through to victory with God’s help.
Craig and Winnie Patten
Itinerate Pastors/ Apostolic Leaders
Encounter Ministries
