Daily Devotionals
Monday, May 6, 2024 (Mary Ann)
What obstacles have we built that keep us from doing things God wants us to do?
I’m not necessarily talking about forsaking everything loved and familiar, packing up and shipping off to deepest, darkest ___________ (fill in the blank with your scariest missionary destination). No, I’m talking about what God might have on the docket for us right here, right now. Today, even.
Some possibilities?
• Oh, how about setting aside a quiet time and diving deep into God’s Word?
• Or maybe inviting a neighbor in for coffee and sharing a bit of your faith journey with her.
• Or even agreeing to teach that Sunday School class of second graders (Yikes!).
You know – it’s that nagging ought-a-do-it idea we stuff into the dark recesses of our minds.
Some excuses we create?
• I have too much on my plate right now; maybe later.
• I’m not in a good place, myself. Let me get my problems straightened out first.
• I did it once. Don’t ask.
• Or my personal favorite: Someone else would be much better at this than me!
We’re experts at building our own obstacles, aren’t we? And maybe those excuses are valid. But then there’s that pesky ought-a-do-it idea … that came from somewhere … that won’t go away.
So how do we overcome our obstacles and go where God is leading or do what we’re being nudged to do?
First things first. Here’s a fun quote: “When asking what God wants me to do, remember that we are not human doings, we are human beings. We were created in God’s image to communicate and walk in harmony with him. (Genesis 1:27)”
God “has no interest in grudging actions that have no connection with our hearts. Whatever we do for God must come from a place of overflowing love, worship and surrender.” As God says in Hosea 6:6, “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more more than I want burnt offerings.”
Sisters, I do think we’ve hit on the answer to overcoming obstacles! Once our hearts overflow – thanks to increasingly knowing, communicating with and loving our Savior – our desire to serve will also grow. PLUS, the Holy Spirit will not only help us discern what God wants us to do, but he will also empower us to do it! A definite win-win!
Finally, think of the benediction the author of Hebrews (13:20-21) wrote: “Now may the God of peace … equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.”
Mary Ann
I’m not necessarily talking about forsaking everything loved and familiar, packing up and shipping off to deepest, darkest ___________ (fill in the blank with your scariest missionary destination). No, I’m talking about what God might have on the docket for us right here, right now. Today, even.
Some possibilities?
• Oh, how about setting aside a quiet time and diving deep into God’s Word?
• Or maybe inviting a neighbor in for coffee and sharing a bit of your faith journey with her.
• Or even agreeing to teach that Sunday School class of second graders (Yikes!).
You know – it’s that nagging ought-a-do-it idea we stuff into the dark recesses of our minds.
Some excuses we create?
• I have too much on my plate right now; maybe later.
• I’m not in a good place, myself. Let me get my problems straightened out first.
• I did it once. Don’t ask.
• Or my personal favorite: Someone else would be much better at this than me!
We’re experts at building our own obstacles, aren’t we? And maybe those excuses are valid. But then there’s that pesky ought-a-do-it idea … that came from somewhere … that won’t go away.
So how do we overcome our obstacles and go where God is leading or do what we’re being nudged to do?
First things first. Here’s a fun quote: “When asking what God wants me to do, remember that we are not human doings, we are human beings. We were created in God’s image to communicate and walk in harmony with him. (Genesis 1:27)”
God “has no interest in grudging actions that have no connection with our hearts. Whatever we do for God must come from a place of overflowing love, worship and surrender.” As God says in Hosea 6:6, “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more more than I want burnt offerings.”
Sisters, I do think we’ve hit on the answer to overcoming obstacles! Once our hearts overflow – thanks to increasingly knowing, communicating with and loving our Savior – our desire to serve will also grow. PLUS, the Holy Spirit will not only help us discern what God wants us to do, but he will also empower us to do it! A definite win-win!
Finally, think of the benediction the author of Hebrews (13:20-21) wrote: “Now may the God of peace … equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.”
Mary Ann
