BY CHERYL WELLS
This month may be a bit more of a challenge. God always shows more through our lives as we walk in obedience to Him. I know that is truth and that I don’t have to convince you of that. Think of the stories in the Bible where someone chooses to trust and follow through doing the right thing. You are probably right now thinking of a specific example or story. For me, my mind goes to Joseph and how he chose to do the right things when life was hard for him, and there were many times. I also think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and what the Bible record says of her. She was highly favored by God, and it was all about her heart and her willingness to love God and believe Him. Both of these people went through so much, but they finished well. Finishing well is always about obedience.
This is really about focus and intentionality. We are distracted people and that always keeps us from God’s best. I have gone through many years and times of being so distracted in different ways. My husband talks a lot about distractions when we are contemplating a possibility that has been brought forward. We are people that are wanting to make a difference and be willing to work hard and do what God puts before us. But we need to remember that everything that comes is not from God, even though we might think it is. Even the best sounding idea could be a distraction from the enemy and a lie that entraps us.
How will we discern that? In what ways might the enemy of our souls be trying to sneak in and sidetrack us and tempt us? I wonder if there are ways that this has happened In the past and we don’t even know it. Smith Wigglesworth said this, “In every temptation that comes, the Lord allows you to be tempted to the very hilt, but He will never allow you to be defeated if you walk in obedience. Right in the middle of the temptation, He will always ‘make a way of escape’ (1 Corin. 10:13).” We will always have the ability to triumph in Christ and be victorious, and that is glory! We must come to see how powerful we are in God and how weak we are in our flesh. We dethrone Satan when we take the truth of scripture and apply it to our temptations. Never do it on your own, but know that if it has come to you that God is somehow in it and allowing it for your refinement and for His glory!
“When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.”
Job 23:10
Years ago when I was just preparing to start the ministry of The Living Center and Side by Side, God in a big way got my attention through a scary storm and He brought me this verse. There were many lessons and I remember that I spoke at a women’s retreat on this very topic. There were many tests then and I believe that it even speaks to me now. I am holding onto the promise that He is doing a work in me and I will come forth as gold, and my offspring. There has been much glory and there is glory to come. There has been much fruit and we are in a season of fruitfulness, but my goal is to walk in obedience and get the lessons for me today, now!
Truly He is my rock, and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depends on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:6-8
- Are you walking in obedience to God right now? Ask Him and allow the Spirit intentionally to search your heart.
- Is the enemy sidetracking you or tempting you to keep going as you are in a situation? He will want you to think that there is no other answer or way out.
- Commit to God to follow the way out that He shows you and believe that there will be victory and glory in your obedience.
- Dethrone the enemy by using the word of God and I pray that God by His Spirit would show you a powerful truth from Him to use as your weapon.
- Trust God that as you obey, the walls will come down and the way will appear for you.
- Ask someone you trust that is walking in obedience to pray with and for you.
