Dear Explorer,
Re-Read John 7:1-10
Oswald Chambers wrote that you will never be considered more inconsistent than when you are following Jesus. He also wrote that if you can explain why you are doing something – it probably isn't from God. I like reading Oswald Chambers', My Utmost for His Highest daily, because he really challenges me to think deeply.
Jesus has just told His brothers that He would not be going to the Festival because it was not God's timing – and now He is going. Do you think He deliberately lied to His brothers?
No. That would be sinful.
Do you think Jesus was confused about what God's will was?
No. He's just following God one step at a time! I believe that Jesus was being totally obedient to everything that He knew about God's will when He told His brothers that He was not going to the festival that day. I believe He told His brothers the absolute truth. But when the Holy Spirit told Him to go. He obeyed.
Many times, we hesitate to obey – because “changing our minds” would make us look bad.
When we were praying about whether we should move to Florida, we spent several weeks talking about it and praying and asking for God's direction. We felt very sure that God was calling us to stay in California and serve there for 3-5 more years. So, we told people that we were ready to dig in and take on some new responsibilities. I agreed to teach and lead some groups. But then less than a week after we made our decision public, God made it crystal clear that He had other plans for us. Why? Did we get it wrong the first time? Maybe, or maybe that was just the way God wanted it to be.
Sometimes God takes us on a step by step journey that doesn't make sense to us, but if we are obedient – we will end up at the right place! Don't try to second-guess God!
When you hear God speak – obey! Don't worry if it makes you look wrong or inconsistent!
Here's another example of following God's direction.
Read 1 Kings 17:1-9
Who is the prophet referred to in these verses?
What did God tell him to do in I Kings 17:3?
Was he obedient?
What happened in I Kings 17:7?
Do you think that God knew that that brook would dry up?
Like I said, sometimes we don't understand God's plans. But if we'll just obey and keep trusting – He'll take us where He wants us to be.
So, what was Elijah's next order?
And there Elijah was able to do a miracle that saved at least 3 people's lives; the widow, her son and Elijah!
I believe that God placed Elijah in a place so that he could rest and pray and be refreshed before He sent him into ministry again. Or maybe the widow wasn't ready to be helped, yet. Or …. We don't know God's reasoning. But we need to trust that He knows what is best.
Following Jesus day by day and step by step is a wonderful adventure. When your brook dries up, LISTEN!
In His service, dale
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