Based on “The Church—Why We Do What We Do, Part 4” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
2/27-28/10, Message #MB409; Daily Devotional #1 - “Stubbornness vs. Obedience”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Why are we disobedient when we distinctly hear the voice of God telling us to do something? I know with me it is often stubbornness. I want to do what I will— not God’s will. Often this is because sometimes it requires a sacrifice of something I am just not ready to give up in order to do what God asks. I come up with excuses and justifications as to why I should not do what He asks. Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. (Romans 3:19-20, NLT).
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): When I continue to do my own will I find myself struggling and ashamed because I saw the warning signs and did not act on them. I was disobedient and I knew it. Then it gets worse because my communication with God is broken because of my sin. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. (James 1:23-24, NLT). When I give up my will and do what God asks, there is so much more blessing and rejoicing seeing Him at work, and I wonder why I didn’t just do what He asked in the first place. I am stubborn, and sometimes God has to get my attention by disciplining me so that I will not go back to my old habits. I don’t want to be disciplined (who does?) but that is God’s way to refine me and to mold me into my full potential to be used by Him. And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said ,“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” (Hebrews 12:5-6, NLT). I wish I could say I was not so stubborn that I don’t have to be disciplined, but sometimes I continue to compromise because I just don’t want to give something up the Lord has asked me to sacrifice. Yet, when I look back and see how He has blessed me in the past for doing His will, the joy and blessings are so much greater than if I would have stayed on my own stubborn path.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): The Israelites were stubborn, and God made them wander in the wilderness for 40 years. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to waste 40 years just because I won’t yield my will! God has created each of us with a lot of potential to be used by Him. He has given each of us gifts to be used for His ministry. What is stopping you from living up to your full potential? Is it really worth holding onto? Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. (Hebrews 12:1-2, NLT). When you stubbornly want to hold onto whatever it is that prevents you from doing God’s will, think about the shameful death Jesus endured for us. Time is short; don’t get attached to things on this earth.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Hebrews 12; James 1:19-27
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
New Living Translation = NLT.