Responding with Obedience

Genesis 21:3-5

Abraham named his son who was born to him – the one Sarah bore to him – Isaac. When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him. Abraham was 100 years old when his son Isaac was born to him.

God did for Abraham just what He promised, and Abraham did just what God commanded. At the age of 100, Abraham began his venture as the father of many nations. His promise did not come through his own efforts but by God’s miraculous intervention in his life. He could credit the blessing of his son only to the work of God, and he gladly did what was commanded of him. When you know beyond any reasonable doubt that God has done a work in your life, your response is complete obedience.

Abraham was very conscious of the presence of God in his life. As a result, he obeyed God’s command. I dare say that for most of us, the reason we fall into disobedience is because we are not aware of God’s presence. We somehow feel as if we are struggling on our own or that we have to make a particular thing happen by our own efforts, and we move ahead of God or fall far behind. When we are fully aware of His presence, we obey out of reverence and trust.

Know for certain today that God is with you, and He is for you. He will fulfill every promise He has made to you at His appointed time. He expects you to follow Him in obedience and to give Him the glory when He does. When you realize His work in your life, worship and obedience will be your natural response. If for any reason you come to rely upon your own efforts, you have fallen into disobedience. Independent spirits like mine often have a hard time accepting this. God is with you, He is working in your life, and He wants you to respond to what He is doing. You don’t have to make it happen; you merely need to respond to the work He is already doing in you.

Have a blessed day!