(C) Amy S. Lewis, 2010
Frequently when I ride Ernie alone, he fights me. It takes a lot of effort on my part to get him to leave the barn by himself. Spurring, spinning and frustrated words are not uncommon. I know I can’t let him turn back. I must persist in taking him where he doesn’t want to go or his negative behavior will continue.
God often asks us to go places we don’t want to go as well. To face an illness. To apologize to someone we’ve hurt. To forgive a friend who’s hurt us. To tell others about His Son. To pray blessings over people we don’t like.
Submission Ultimately Brings Blessings
Just like Ernie eventually submits to my authority, we need to obey God’s leading. When we do, he blesses us and uses us in powerful ways. We hear his voice more frequently and clearly. We feel a sense of victory and empowerment.
In God’s Strength
When God asks us to do things that are difficult for us, He always provides the strength, words and wisdom for us to do what may seem impossible in our humanly effort.
Anything is Possible
Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Consequences
The more we ignore God’s promptings, the less we’ll hear Him. Our lack of response is as if I let Ernie “win” by turning back to the barn. It’s letting Satan get the glory rather than God. Lean into God for the strength and will to honor His requests. You’ll be awed by the Spirit’s power working through you.
Zech. 4:6 – “It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Questions for Reflection:
1. What has God asked you to do that may be uncomfortable? Why is it uncomfortable? What feelings surface as you think about the situation?
2. What uncomfortable situations have you been trying to resolve in your own power? What has been the result?
3. What or who may He have brought into your life to stretch you and draw you closer to Him? What have you been turning away from that God continues to bring to your mind?
4. How might that situation work out differently by asking God for the power to go where you may not want to go?
