This is the third and final installment of our response to God when he says, “GO” (check here and here for the first two). In this segment we consider conditions we might place on obedience. That just sounds bad, doesn’t it? If we honestly examine our walk of faith, though, we may find ourselves responding to God with conditions more often than we think!

Our favorite biblical example may be Moses, in that he seemed to like his obedience his way. This tendency should remind us Rat Pack fans of a song from the past. Watch Frank Sinatra’s version of “My Way,” written by Paul Anka and released in 1969.

Seriously, we probably all wish we could live lives in our way because we think we know best. Besides, who knows us better than we know ourselves? Read Psalm 139 for King David’s perspective on that.

Moses was to lead his people to freedom. First, he tried to do it by his own force, killed an Egyptian, and was banished. God got his attention 40 years later and asked him to start again, but with God’s power. Moses agreed, but only with his brother Aaron’s help. That started out okay, but the story doesn’t end well… think “golden calf” and rebellion. The most damaging choice by Moses was probably to strike the rock for water late in the journey rather than speaking to it, as God had instructed. That “my way” decision cost Moses his ticket into the Promised Land.

When we examine our obedience, we see similar patterns:

“I’ll go, but not alone.”

“I’ll go, but not there.”

“I’ll go, but I don’t want to raise support.” (Trust us. No one WANTS to raise support!)

“I’ll go, but I won’t do that.”

“I’ll go, but ___ (you fill in the blank).”

The truth is, we doubt God when he says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” and the apostle Paul when he writes in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Why do we constantly find ourselves here? Fear. Fear based in a misunderstanding of God’s love for us.

What do we need to do? Rest. We need to rest in what God has done, in what God is doing, and in what God has promised to do.

Listen to “It Is Well With My Soul” by Matt Redman and visualize yourself on God’s lap, wrapped in his arms. Take a deep breath and rest.

 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”