Several years ago Jane and I were visiting family in South Carolina. While on that trip, we enjoyed Jane’s cousins four wheeler. One day Tyler and Allie were riding it while Jane and I watched them. As they came near to us I noticed a wasp on the seat. I immediately told both of them to remain still. Thankfully they obeyed and I was able to remove the wasp from their presence. I then explained to them why I had told them to remain still and I praised them for obeying my instruction.
Life is a lot like that experience. There are times when God gives us an immediate command and we have a choice to make. Do we obey or disobey? If we obey we receive protection from our Heavenly Father. If we disobey, we remove ourselves from His protective hand. The reality is that none of us want our lives to be removed from God’s protective hand. Let us all remember that when God gives us an instruction - no matter what we may logically think - it is ultimately always for our good.
So how does God give us instructions? Here are a few of the ways He speaks to us: 1) Always through His word, the Bible. 2) Through His still small voice as we pray. 3) Through other people that share with us a word from God (preachers, teachers, mentors, parents, etc...). 4) Through circumstances in life. 5) And always through inner peace.
If Tyler and Allie had not obeyed me, one of them more than likely would have been stung by the wasp. In the same way, if we refuse to obey God’s voice, we will be stung by the consequences of our disobedience. If you find yourself being stung today, simply repent (turn back to God) and allow God to remove the sting from your life.
Loving and Leading,
Jeff Powell
