Obedience requires a cost, but it places us in the midst of God’s perfect will.
I felt lost in the darkness though the sun shone bright upon me along the country road. I sought peace. Direction. Reassurance for the life decisions I had made. Shadows from the giant pine forest enveloped me as I passed briefly beneath their graceful canopy and then back into the light of day.
Lord, I prayed. I know You are with me, guiding and caring for me. But why do I feel lost? Why do I succumb to the cares of the world and the words of the enemy that penetrate my heart? I want to obey You in all things. I know that obedience requires a cost, but I think I’m ready to count that cost … I think. That scares me, but I know that to be in Your perfect will is the most secure place for me. Yet, I feel lost not knowing which way I’m going and how I will get there.
I kept walking. Thinking. Listening. I wanted to hear from God as He walked on the wings of the wind moving through the tall meadow grass alongside my path.
Deep within I felt a stirring. I remembered the scriptures from Isaiah that exhorted me to listen for God’s direction:
Yes, Lord. I’m listening.
And then He reminded me of the next verse.
“You will also defile the covering of your images of silver, and the ornament of your molded images of gold. You will throw them away as an unclean thing; You will say to them, ‘Get away!'”
Lord, help me lay down those things that distract me from You.
Lord, are there idols in my life? May it never be! I choose to be holy for You, Lord. I choose You as my first love. Open my ears to hear Your instruction. Give me courage to lay down those things that distract me from the work of my hands and the focus of my heart. Be my strength, Lord, for You promise that when I am weak, You will be strong.
As I made my way back to the house I pondered the ways of the Lord. Opening the front door I entered the cool hush of a silent home. I picked up my Bible and turned to Isaiah 30 and read over the scriptures the Lord had brought to my remembrance.
And then I found God’s promise.
The work of my hands and the words of my heart are not in vain. As I grasp hold of God’s mighty hand and turn my ears toward heaven, He will direct my steps. As I lay down those things that hinder my walk with Him, He will lead me out of the shadows of darkness into His marvelous light. As I choose holiness as unto the Lord, He will give the rain for the seeds I so hope to plant in the lives of others.
Yes, our God is faithful. He is always gracious to us at the sound of our cry.
My sweet friend, I encourage you to be still. Cease your striving and remember that He is God. Open your ears that You might hear His gentle whisper.
And then take courage. Be about the Father’s business as He purposes for your life. You are loved by an amazing God.
It’s so good to have you writing again Nan. Congratulations on your new website and blog! I really enjoyed this. It speaks to my heart is so many ways on so many levels today. I had read these verses earlier in the week. Thank you, Lord, for making them stand strong in my spirit today.
It’s WONDERFUL to be back on schedule. God is so great. I’m thankful the words of my heart encouraged you.
Welcome back, Nan! Your site looks amazing. It was worth the wait. 🙂 Your post arrived just in time as far as I’m concerned. We are set to put our house on the market next week and I’m having to constantly remind myself to cease striving. Isaiah 30 will become a mantra for my move. God bless you, friend.
How nice to see your name come up Cathy. Thank you for your kind words. I’m very pleased with how it turned out too and I’m so thankful it ministered to you. That is the prayer of my heart.
This is written beautifully. Thank you for posting this!
Heather Bock
Thank you for stopping by, Heather. I appreciate the encouragement.
Your post is a good reminder that I need to allow God to continually show me distractions that may creep into my life. It can happen before we realize it. Thanks, Nan.
Connie, that is so true and it’s a trap of the enemy to get us off course. Plus, dying to self is never fun, but obedience to what the Lord asks of us satisfies like nothing else. Thanks for stopping by.
Great post! I’ve been trying to be still this week and listen to His guidance as I’m seeking wisdom from Him in an area. Very timely post!
Praise God, Crickett! Isn’t God wonderful? He always knows just what we need right when we need it. He is so faithful to His children. I’m so thankful the words of my heart encouraged you.
I appreciate the reminder to seek holy living as we seek God’s direction. If we want to walk in God’s will, it’s not just about what job to take but how to live out godly character wherever we are working. No idols. Just God.
Thank you Katy. I appreciated God’s reminder too 😉 And I loved that the scripture pointed out that it was after laying down the idols, God sent His rain upon the seed that was sown. I think that is a powerful, life changing Truth.