Gentle Reminders
Obedience is Joyful!
Thank You, Father!!
Obedience leads to exceeding JOY! Here’s an example:
I’m a member at Hotworx, a gym where I workout in a sauna…Yes, I know, it’s hot!! That’s why it’s called HOTworx. And I love it. But right now, I’m in a much busier season of life, which means I’ve not been as consistent with working out. So when I booked an appointment a couple of weeks ago and didn’t show and forgot to cancel my workout appointment, Hotworx called and left me a voicemail reminding me to cancel. Of course, when I listened to the voicemail, my heart both dropped and became defensive, as it’s prone to do. “Don’t they know I’ve been busy?!?” my mind wanted to shout. Yet I knew I was in the wrong. It would only have taken a minute to cancel the appointment, and I could have and should have done so.
For a week, I didn’t do anything. I told myself I would do better next time if I needed to cancel another appointment. I thought that was good enough. I didn’t need to call and apologize. They weren’t dwelling on it, so why should I? I kept telling myself to move on with life. It’s not that big of a deal, right?
But for some reason, the Lord was prompting me to not only apologize but to do so in person. Simple, right? Just walk in and say, “I am so sorry. I’ve tried to be good about cancelling when I need to, but I haven’t been as good lately, and I just wanted to let you know I’m going to do better next time.”
I could have said just that over the phone, but when today rolled around, the Holy Spirit in me kept tugging at me to go during my lunch break. I needed to book an appointment for both me and my boyfriend, anyway, so why not go in person? That’s exactly what I did.
LISTEN! When the Lord prompts you to do something, even if it seems so small and insignificant, LISTEN! Because of His prompting, and because of obedience, I had the blessing and joy to encourage someone in her walk of faith. In walking in and apologizing, conversation led to the Lord and His goodness and perfect timing. And now, I have a new friend to have coffee with and biblical conversation with…We can disciple one another!! What a blessing!
The Lord blessed us both today, and it wouldn’t have happened if I had simply called Hotworx. The Lord knew why I needed to go in person, however strange and unnecessary it seemed at the time.
Dear Friend, trust what the Lord is leading you to do. Step into each day with open hands. Rejoice in His guidance, for it is sweet and encouraging! Also…if you need to cancel an appointment…it’s probably best to do so. 😉
Time is short. Our days here are numbered, and our times are in His hand. Let’s seize those opportunities to have biblical conversations…at the gym, at the store, at a restaurant, at a coffee shop. Pray for those opportunities, and obey the Lord, in the big and the small things. I promise it leads to joy. Every. Time.
Up Next: “MAKE THE MOST OF GOD’S OPPORTUNITIES”
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