On Obedience in Difficult Times

Acts 21:10-13 Phillips  During our stay there of several days a prophet by the name of Agabus came down from Judea. When he came to see us he took Paul’s girdle and used it to tie his own hands and feet together, saying, “The Holy Spirit says this: the man to whom this girdle belongs will be bound like this by the Jews in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles!”  ^12-13 When we heard him say this, we and the people there begged Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered us, “What do you mean by unnerving me with all your tears? I am perfectly prepared not only to be bound but to die in Jerusalem for the sake of the name of the Lord Jesus.”  ¹⁴ Since he could not be dissuaded all we could do was to say, “May the Lord’s will be done,” and hold our tongues.

Hebrews 12:1-3 Phillips  Surrounded then as we are by these serried ranks of witnesses, let us strip off everything that hinders us, as well as the sin which dogs our feet, and let us run the race that we have to run with patience, our eyes fixed on Jesus the source and the goal of our faith. For he himself endured a cross and thought nothing of its shame because of the joy he knew would follow his suffering; and he is now seated at the right hand of God’s throne. Think constantly of him enduring all that sinful men could say against him and you will not lose your purpose or your courage.

Observation

I hear in these verses an echo of Jesus words, “Get thee behind me, Satan!”  Neither Paul nor Jesus looked forward to the suffering and persecution they would endure.  They both looked past it to God’s result, fully trusting that whatever they suffered would produce redemption, restoration, and deliverance for others as they submitted to God’s will and purpose, focusing on the “joy he knew would follow his suffering.” They embraced the path God placed before them because of their love and gratitude for, their commitment to, and their absolute trust in His unconditional love.  How did they have the courage to choose the path of pain, rejection and suffering?

Both Jesus and Paul gave a great deal of time to fellowship with God, praying much and relying on the Word of God to strengthen and encourage them.  The investment of time and these practices nurtured a deep and intimate relationship between these men and God.  Jesus came and died as a man, the only man who could pay for all our sin, but also to demonstrate what is possible for us if we choose to invest in that relationship the same way as He did on this earth.  This is an example to us of how we humans can develop that same intimate fellowship, the same certainty that we have heard correctly despite what those around us say, and the courage to obey regardless of the cost to ourselves.

Impact on Me

When I was young, I would read the Lives of the Saints.  I would marvel at the courage, commitment and love of the martyrs, those who chose to remain faithful to God even unto death.  I could not imagine how one did it.  I knew I didn’t have the character and faith to do the same.  I prayed that, if ever the time came to make that kind of choice, God would give me the strength to be faithful.

Now that I have an adult relationship with and understanding of God, one that is deeper and more intimate, one positioned in Christ, I can imagine that He is able to provide the strength to endure whatever difficulty or persecution might come.  My choice will be to say, “Yes,” and, when it comes, to continue in that “yes” to:

• humbly obey, choosing to trust Him when I feel like what is happening is unfair and undeserved or unbearable,
• choosing to praise Him rather than complain or congratulate myself for being so “obedient”
• choosing to allow Jesus to be seen despite my whiney flesh. 

My submission to His will be reflected in how I represent Christ in all circumstances – how I allow His light to shine through me even in persecution – how I respond according to His word rather than according to my flesh.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Redeemer, Creator, One with the Father, I desire to submit fully to Your will and purpose for my life.  May I be faithful and remember in difficult or upsetting times to “Think constantly of him enduring all that sinful men could say against him and you will not lose your purpose or your courage.”   Even if You call me to be the doormat into your house, may I find contentment in obedience if trodding on me brings them to the knowledge of You.  Give me insight and wisdom so that my flesh will listen to my spirit urging me to respond in all circumstances according to Your word.  Help me to love and appreciate all Your people (whether I like them or not) because they are all on this journey with me for Your kingdom’s sake.  Amen.