It was a wonderful invitation. The owner of a major Christian Company opened her doors to our mentoring group so we could glean and grow.
I admired the simplistic beauty of Glory Haus. So yes! Most definitely yes! I was looking forward to soaking up every word Molly had to say.
When we arrived the team was gathered in worship. Hands were extended and the presence of the Lord was literally resting in our midst. Oh yeah you heard right. They scheduled time for worship during the work day. Automatically I knew these were my people.
During the tour, Molly shared how the Lord guided her in developing the Glory Haus team. He gave her the names of friends that would take the journey with her but, there was a catch. She couldn’t ask them to join. She had to wait until they suggested the idea to her. And even though it took a while, one by one the team was formed. Throughout our visit, there were several stories with a consistent theme. God spoke. Molly obeyed. Her business grew.
As I reflected on the day, I was reminded of Jesus' earthly father, Joseph. We don’t talk about him a lot but, I believe his life beautifully exemplifies obedience.
I’ll give you the short version of Matthew 1:18-25 but, when you have a moment grab your favorite drink, a quiet corner and sit down with this text.
Here’s the skinny. Joesph was in the midst of what I would call a hot mess. He was engaged to Mary when he found out she was pregnant. And to make matters even worse, Joseph wasn't the father.
Now because of the circumstances, Joseph decided to break off the engagement with Mary. But, he didn't want to expose her to shame or harm. So Joseph planned to put Mary away "quietly" v. 19
When he went to sleep, an angel visited him in a dream. Joseph was given specific instructions. v 20-23. And, as soon as he woke up, Joseph did exactly what the angel of the Lord told him to do.
Now mind you, this wasn't just an isolated incident. Joseph had this obedience thing down to a science. Again in Matthew 2:13 -14 and v.19-21, the angel of the Lord gave him instructions. And like before, as soon as Joseph woke up, he responded with obedience.
How many times has God spoken to us but, we question or procrastinate? We say things like, "It's too hard.", "What will people say?" or "I'm not qualified". But honestly, these are just dressed up excuses for disobedience. Did that just grab you?
Transparency alert! Right now I feel like I should be writing "I will obey" 25 times on somebody's chalk board. I'll share my chalk if you'd like.
Ok, so where are you on the obedience scale? Are you rocking and rolling with Joseph and Molly? Or are you like me and need some improvement in this area? Well, here are a few practical steps I believe we can take to help us walk out a life of obedience.
Go to sleep. Yep! Get some rest. - Did you notice it? Every time the angel came to deliver the Word of the Lord, Joseph was asleep. Ask God to calm you down so you
can rest not just physically but, mentally and emotionally. My friend it's difficult to think clearly or be in a position to hear from God when we're exhausted. - Psalm 127: 2
Open wide. Ask the Lord to open your eyes so you can see what he wants you to see. Allow him to penetrate your heart and your mind and take complete control. And, be willing to receive whatever he has to say.
Move now. Not tomorrow. Not next week or next year. But, whenever God speaks, challenge yourself to move right then. Don't even give yourself the option of later.
Joseph's obedience gave him the opportunity to shepherd the heart of our Saviour. Molly's obedience has created lovely home decor and jewelry that shares the good news of Jesus around the world.
So the next time God speaks, obey not because it makes sense or fits into your life plan but, just because He said so. And, watch the beauty of obedience unfold.
Your Sister Friend,
