Way back when in Genesis when Eve & Adam ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good & Evil, they had no idea of the impact that one {seemingly} small decision would have on their future.
Obviously we had no idea of the impact their decision would have on us.
As the story goes, they both partook in the fruit & “their eyes were opened,” they then noticed their nakedness. Quickly, they clothed themselves in shame & leaves.
What once was a close, intimate, & beautiful relationship between the creator & His creation, was permanently severed. Their disobedience led them to feel ashamed & unworthy of the gifts God had freely given.
Because of the space created between us & God, we now spend our entire lives trying to fill that space with anything we can. What I have noticed is I try to fill this gap with just about everything except God. I’ve tried to fill this gap with achievements or helping others – basically anything that I thought would make me “good enough.”
One the most powerful things I learned at training camp was from a lady named Karen. She taught us about the kingdom & what it looks like to see Jesus in the big & the small things. Karen talked about finding “the least of these,” wherever we went. I love this sentiment because the least in a room will look different depending on which room we choose to walk into.
Anyway, Karen’s whole thing was teaching us about what it’s like to be obedient in the small things. After her message, she challenged each of us to give a stranger a drink of water. Just hand out a plastic water bottle, share a smile & leave it at that. Simple right?
“It starts with a cool cup of water,” she reminded us.
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When we are obedient in the small things, it becomes easier to be obedient in the bigger things. When we learn to listen & discern God’s voice & then choose to respond in obedience with the little things, He then begins to entrust us with the bigger things.
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Do you remember a time in your life when being obedient was the farthest thing from what you wanted to do? I do.
It is wild how within a year God has radically changed my view of the WorldRace. This time last year I was super excited & so ready to jump into this next grand adventure. Before I had even applied, let alone got accepted, I was making plans to go on staff with them AFTER I got back from the 11 months abroad. I know, crazy.
Today I sit here, about a month away from my launch date & although I am still excited & nervous & greatly anticipating all this next year will hold, there is a twinge of something else…obedience.
Leading up to my launch date initially was exciting. & now it is hard. It is hard beginning to say “see ya later” to those I love so dearly. So many unexpected life things have happened in the past year that have absolutely made me question if I am still meant to go on the Race.
What did these questions do? For me, aside from doubting myself & my decisions, they have actually pushed me closer to God, caused me to lean into Him. I have learned to expect Him to show up. & He has.
What I have learned, however, is that as I choose to be obedient, I am choosing God first, before anything else. & you know what? I think this is exactly where God wants me. This is obedience. It isn’t ever easy & it’s not necessarily pretty. Sometimes it’s painful & many times it requires us to adjust “our plans” to make room for God’s.
Take a moment to reflect. Where are there sore spots in your life, either in your past or current, where you felt/feel God nudging you towards obedience? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
As always, thank you for sharing this space with me 🙂
Love,
Maddie
