I was thinking this morning how God consistently asks those whom he loves to do things that are not normal and to do things that put themselves and those they love in harm’s way. This looks very different in the day in which we live but God requires this of us just the same. The Bible says in Hebrews that Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever. It was truth then and it is truth for today. To move God’s kingdom forward He asks his people to obey no matter what the cost.
For me it was ultimately getting on a plane, leaving everything behind that I loved and that loved me and moving to Michigan.
When I left Oregon Darin had not told me that he loved me for 4 years. Now in my heart I believed he did but he literally had not told me that in 4 years. I was not leaving everything behind because Darin asked me to do it and because the Bible tells me to be a submissive wife, that would have been foolishness. I was leaving everything behind because I was being a submissive daughter to the King and He asked me to do it. God himself asked me to put myself in harm’s way. This is why I was able to take such a risk.
Several weeks ago I was driving listening to a song on the radio. It was a good one and listening to it made me miss leading worship. I was thinking how great it would be to lead that particular song. As I was thinking this the Lord whispered in my ear that since we adopted Skyler I began leading worship with my whole life. I am leading when I get up at 2am to feed her, I am leading when I change her diapers, when I bathe her and when I give her kisses. Leading worship all day long. How wonderful is that!
I believe God told me this because adopting Skyler was a risk. Not only for Darin and I but a risk for Macy Mae as well. Yet God in his sovereignty asked us to trust him in this. We had no idea how amazing she would be and how much life and joy she would bring to our family.
What I realize now is this:
All those times I was overcoming evil with good in my marriage, all those times you are overcoming evil with good you are leading worship. When I was paying all the bills I was leading worship. When God asked me to drive an hour to meet Darin half way so that it would be easier on him to spend time with Macy I was leading worship. I was leading worship when I was packing up my house and when I was saying good-by to my family and friends. It is not just on Sunday’s but what God has shown me is this: when we obey him we are leading worship with our entire lives!
Hebrews 13:15-16
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for such sacrifices God is pleased.
Romans 12:9-16
Love must be sincere. hate what is evil: cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you: bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
I submit this to you:
How can God fight your battle
If there is no battle to fight
How can God heal you of your sickness
If there is no sickness to heal
How can God deliver you from your torment
If there is no torment to deliver you from
Does God not
Heal
Does God not
Deliver
Does God not go to battle for those He loves
And lastly
How will you ever know what perfect love looks like
If you never see it cast out fear
I pray courage into your very soul! That you will see how God wants you to lead worship today! Remember this: What he asks you to do does not always look logical or good on paper!