Great moves of God are usually preceded by simple acts of obedience.

Obedience. The word itself can make us wince. And yet, obedience is required for the disciple of Jesus Christ. The type of obedience reveals what type of disciple we are willing to be. Notice the sequence in these biblical examples.

1. God said to Noah, “Go make an ark…” (Genesis 6:14)

2. God said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)

3. God said to Abraham, "Then God said, “ Go take your son, your only son, whom you love--Isaac--and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” (Genesis 22:2)

4. As he walked along, (Jesus) he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

5.“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (John 6:9)

6. And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.(Mark 14:3)

Most of us focus on the outcome. Consider what had to take place in order for God’s will to be fulfilled. One person made a decision. One person had to follow through. One person made all the difference.

What is the right obedience equation?

Our response to God usually sounds like this, “when I get…financially stable—I will give to the church.” “When I get my life together—I will serve at church.” “When I get my own answers to the big questions—I will share my faith with others.”

Consider the obedience equation from God’s point of view. God is looking for people who do the will of God and ask questions later. Great moves of God are fulfilled when people hear God clearly say, “this is what I want you to do.” And…they did it. They follow through.

When opportunity knocks—it looks like obedience.

When you hear the invitation to give—give without consideration of the cost. (Luke 14:25-33)

When you receive the invitation to serve—serve. Don’t act like everyone else is supposed to serve you. (Mark 10:45)

When someone asks you about what you believe about Jesus—tell your story, especially if you have questions about faith. A witness shares what they know from their experience. (Acts 1:8)

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:12-13

Pastor Jen