Pastor's Pen November 13, 2010
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When It’s Hard To Obey
Jesus Christ, the God-man, was facing the fear and dread of going to the cross in a matter of hours as He prayed in Gethsemane. He knew what awaited Him. He would become sin for us and endure the wrath of the Father that we might be forgiven. In this dark hour “He learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). Obeying God cost Him His life.
Sometimes obeying God is hard. Yet it is at those moments that God will grow our faith the most if we choose to obey Him. As we face such trying times we need to remember Jesus. Carrying His cross up that hill to indescribable suffering and pain was not an easy road. But He walked that road for you and for me. That is why God has highly exalted His name above every name and bestowed on Him the highest honor. One day every knee will bow to Christ and confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father. He calls us to walk such a road with Him. We could never carry His cross and do what He did but we can carry our cross and do what He asks of us and what He asks of us is obedience—even when it’s hard.
How do you respond when obeying God is hard? When money is tight do you still give God His tithe? When the crowd is expecting you to go along with them in evil do you say no? When doing God’s will might bring ridicule do you still obey? In each case our choice reveals where our faith is. Will I trust God or my money? Will I put my faith in the Lord or in being popular with the crowd? When we choose to trust God and obey Him in difficult circumstances He is faithful to show up strong on our behalf.
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
God is looking for people whose hearts are loyal to Him. Does He see such a heart in you? Whatever it is you think you will get from your money, being popular or whatever else this world offers you it will pale in comparison to the riches you gain in walking with Christ Jesus our Lord.
It’s not easy to follow Christ. If anyone told you it was easy they were misinformed. But the road of obedience has a good end and it brings us a wonderful Companion who walks this road with us and intimacy with Him is far greater than anything else. The only way you can have the privilege of intimacy and close fellowship with Jesus is to obey Him. When the road gets rough and you are tempted to turn off the road remember, you are taking a detour of the enemy. He may have bright lights at the intersection...he may have a sign calling it “scenic route” but the truth is the road sign that takes you off the path of obedience reads, “disobedience,” and it leads you to untold misery.
Obey God even when it’s hard.
Pastor Dan
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