Currently, I am on a train for fifteen hours from Chiang Mai to Bangkok with my whole squad. It’s like one of those trains in western movies. The windows are open. There’s no AC but there are rotating fans. Thankfully, the weather is high 70s. The atmosphere is relaxed and chill.
With that being said, while on this train I have no option but to be a passenger. It reminds me of what I mentioned in my last post about my struggle of obedience to God. Obedience actually seems to be a theme among my squad mates as well.
I’ve always had a power struggle with God. I like to be in the drivers seat and in control, and I can be stubborn. When I was talking the other day about surrendering to God more, one of my teammates responded with how comfortable it is to be in the passenger seat and let God be in control. Later on, one of my squad mates gave an alternative viewpoint, “What if God is with you in the drivers seat and He is teaching you how to drive?” Both viewpoints require submission to God. I do not think God wants us to be passive (i.e. Philippians 2:12, “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” and Matthew 25:14-30 parable of the talents about being a good steward of what God has given you.) With that, I like the idea of God teaching me to drive more than being in the passengers seat.
Recently, I have really made it more of a point to ask God daily what to do. A situation came up awhile back, and I asked God what I should do. God specifically said, “Nothing.” And my stubborn self was like, “Well, that’s nice. I’m going to do what I want to do.” So I did, and the situation turned out Badly. While I cannot control another person’s reaction to a situation, I can control whether I am obedient to God or not. I have learned disobedience has a cost, and I’m finding it is not worth it.
So, the other day I felt the Lord tell me to ask my mom how I could pray for her. I didn’t want to because that hasn’t been a norm in our relationship and it was just out of my comfort zone (which I really don’t know why it’s not, it should be). I was reluctant but I asked. I let God And she told me something I would otherwise not have known. Obedience to God is so good, especially when you can see the results.
The director of World Race, Bill Swan, put it like this, “We are obedient to God, because God has something better for us.” I’m finding obedience is more fun. God tells me to do something. I do it and then either have a cool experience or am able to help or pray for someone. God has definitely expanding my comfort zone through asking me to be obedient. I’ve had so much more joy and peace.
Are you willing to be obedient to God?
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Thailand has been great. I am currently in Bangkok for debrief with my squad and will be leaving for Malaysia on December 1st. My team will be doing ATL, Ask The Lord, while in Malaysia and initially will be with another team called Freedom Runners. So we will be praying and asking God specifically what to do each day.
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Much love!! I hope you are enjoying your moments. 🙂
Amanda
