Sometimes
we hear testimonies, or have personally testimonies, of fighting God in an area
of our life that seems big…like dating or drugs or sex. A season when we knew God didn’t want us to be having
sex, but we did it anyway. A season when we blatantly disobeyed God.
But
let us not forget about the little areas we fight God in as well…the lying, the
self-centered attitudes, the gluttony, the degree of consecration, etc. Just
because the area of fighting God isn’t as outward or doesn’t seem by society as
large…doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter to God. Any area God gives you instruction
in is VALID & Important. Its necessary.
I
just sat here on the train, basically arguing with God about what movie I could
and couldn’t watch. I gave into Him, because I knew it was the right thing to
do. But I still didn’t like it. I wanted to watch a movie, but I just knew He
didn’t want me to b/c it wouldn’t feed my spirit nor build me up. He kept
quoting 1 John 5:3 to me…that His commandments are not burdensome. It struck me
because I was obeying His commands, but it was feeling burdensome. I didn’t get
it. What was wrong with the picture?
Then
I did some research & read the verses around that chapter…which were all
about loving God. And it clicked. When I have an “I Love
You, God.� In my heart pertaining to the issue, as I obey…it won’t be
burdensome. The trouble, the burden, the self-denial, the pain, the small
sacrifice are COMPLETELY overshadowed by the Love of God in our hearts. And
then the command isn’t burdensome, but a joy to loving, say Yes to God and No
to self.
“Love feels no loads.�
-an old proverb
So
when obeying God feels like a burden, check your heart. Are you doing it out of
love for Him? Or are you doing it just because its the “right” thing to do. For Love….This is true obedience. This is true love.
The yummy Cappuccino I had in Lutsk, Ukraine.
