Just like the title says, even when it is hard we are called to obey what God tells us to do. Without going into too much detail, let me tell you about my experience with this very topic. You see, God very much so called me to do something that I did not want to do—with every fiber of my being I did not want to do it.
However even though I did not want to listen, God was answering two of my prayers very specifically; and oh boy, does God have a sense of humor when He does answer our prayers. You see one of my prayers over the first month while being on the race was to hear God’s voice very distinctly and directly. He answered that loud and clear while also giving me a direct command that I did not want to follow—even though He was answering my other daily prayer very specifically.
And to be honest, I didn’t listen to Him right away—I was actually pleading with God that He would answer my prayer request in ANY other way, that He would have me have ANY different conversation. But, God being God, said “no, you just have to trust me that I will keep my promise to you,” and I sort of grumbled each time He told me this. Then we got to debrief and two of the themes were obedience and vulnerability—and I was like, “okay God… fine. I see You and I’ll listen to and trust You, despite not knowing the outcome. I’m sick of having this argument with You that I know I will ultimately either lose and probably stop hearing Your voice.” For which hearing His voice was one of my very specific prayers for the month. Additionally, my team leader gave me a note telling me to look up Jeremiah 1:7-10, which says:
Jeremiah 1:7-10
7But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. 9Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth. 10See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
So again, grumbling, I told God “okay, I hear You and I trust that You will fulfill your promise to me once I listen and follow Your call” for I know that You are a God who honors obedience as well as a God who does not lie to His children—us.
Even now, a couple of days after I listened to God, the unknown answers and questions are eating away at me; but I know that through all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose, Romans 8:28. Similarly, a verse that God told me to cling to through all of this is Romans 4:20-21, which says:
Romans 4:20-21
20Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
So while clinging to that verse and God’s promises, I know that ultimately the situation will come out perfectly in the future according to God’s will. However, if you would be willing to pray for comfort and peace to transcend all of the understanding that I have and that I will be released of the fact that I want to know what is going to happen, so that I will be fully at peace with trusting in God and His faithfulness and His promises.
I know this is a slightly confusing blog post, but that’s okay. Ultimately, it can be summed up into the title; I have learned and put into practice the discipline of obedience… even when it sucks and what God is calling us to do is the very last thing that we want to do. As long as we listen to God’s voice, it will work out perfectly in the end—whatever that ends up looking like.
However, until God shows His answer, my theme song has been Take Courage by Kristene DiMarco :
Slow down and take time; breathe in He said, He’s reveal what’s to come.
The thoughts in His mind, always higher than mine; He’ll reveal all to come.
So take courage my heart, stay steadfast my soul, He’s in the waiting. He’s in the waiting.
Hold onto your hope as your triumph unfolds, He’s never failing. He’s never failing.
Sing praise my soul, find strength in joy; let His words lead you on.
Do not forget His great faithfulness, He’ll finish all He’s begun.
So take courage my heart, stay steadfast my soul, He’s in the waiting. He’s in the waiting.
Hold onto your hope as your triumph unfolds, He’s never failing. He’s never failing.
Take courage my heart, stay steadfast my soul, He’s in the waiting. He’s in the waiting.
Hold onto your hope as your triumph unfolds, He’s never failing. He’s never failing.
And You who hold the stars, who call them each by name, will surely keep Your promise to me that I will rise in Your victory.
And You who hold the stars, who call them each by name, will surely keep Your promise to me that I will rise in Your victory.
So take courage my heart, stay steadfast my soul, He’s in the waiting. He’s in the waiting.
Hold onto your hope as your triumph unfolds, He’s never failing. He’s never failing.
