A Father's Love: The Call for Obedience

Hi all,

In honor of Valentine's day, I figured we'd switch things up around here and upload a new blog post on you guessed it: love. However, this isn't that post where we talk about how love is so great, so grand, and how great it feels to be chosen (not because it isn't). But that's not what we're talking about here. This blog post is dedicated to those who for one reason or another are in need of encouragement and struggling to see just how much the Lord has cared for them, has catered to them, or even heard their hearts desires. Today we're talking about the link between a father's love and the call to obedience.

Maybe you've been asking God about a specific desire or dream that has yet to be fulfilled. You might have been praying for God to tell you what to do in a specific situation and haven't heard back yet. Maybe you've been contemplating a specific action and paralyzed with fear that you might make the wrong choice. I get it, we've all been there. You might still be in that place. Maybe you've exhausted all of your options are tired of trying to figure out where to turn next. Luckily for you, you don't have to. I want you to give the desires of your heart to the Lord today.

Psalms 37:4-6, says this:

4 "Take delight in the Lord and he shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way unto the Lord, trust in Him, and He will act, 6 making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like noonday. Psalms 37:4-6

I want assure you that if you've had any doubt, take heed to my words: He hears the cry of your heart. He is still there and knows exactly what you need. He is waiting for you to take the first step. He's already carrying you in the palm of his hand.

The Lord desires to put away your anxieties, the negative shame spirals, and the constant replaying of old situations that are long-gone and behind you. He wants to put your struggles to rest.

"Cast your cares on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

God knows the circumstances and looming weight on your heart. He knows what you're thinking and how you feel about the things you hide from everybody else. He sees your every action. He can even decipher the reason for your inaction. He knows the opportunities that await you on the other side of your uncertainty. I implore you, Let this next opportunity be God-breathed.

Jeremiah 29:11 says this:

"For I know the plans that I have for you said the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Ephesians 3:20 goes further, and states:

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is [at work within us]." Ephesians 3:20

You do not need to do more. You do not need to try harder, work faster or smarter. You do not need to re-organize your plan or wait until tomorrow. The time to move is now. There is no situation that the Lord will let you go into it alone; scared, uncovered, vulnerable. He will not leave you stranded.

Here's what the Bible says in Psalms 139:

7"Where can I go to escape your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast [...] 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."

Rest assured, that even at this very moment the Lord is running after you. He has not slowed or grown weary in pursuit of you. The Lord loves you and desires your whole heart. He is willing to wait until you are ready to show you what's next. Make it your mission to be prepared.

If you needed this reminder: Start seeing yourself as worthy, lovely, beautiful, purposeful, blessed, and chosen. Step into every room like God personally placed YOU there. That's because He did.

Funny enough, God reminded me of the same thing. The Lord had been speaking to me about the need for obedience in the funniest way. Right now, as the Lord has me working on a new project, I've had the most unexpected amount of encouragement in different areas of my life. I've been in heavy mediation with the Lord over different things that I've wondered about. From friends, co-workers, from my own dad. Let me explain: My dad has always encouraged me to learn and explore and do different things. However, recently, he's been really pushing me to take action on an idea that he believes he gave me. He's suggesting small ideas and redirecting my concerns as a way to encourage me to take the leap. What he didn't realize is that I'm already doing it. His push is disguised as encouragement that I am on the right path and can proceed forward.

"I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and [eat with him] and he will be with me." Revelation 3:20

God is calling each of us to accept his invitation (His Love). God's invitation + our ability to recognize and interpret His voice allows God to move in a big way. Will you let me partner in agreement with you as He gets ready to move in our lives together?

Some more scriptures for meditation:

• Isaiah 40:25-28

• Revelation 3:20

• Revelation 4:2-11

• Jeremiah 31:3

If you enjoyed this blog post, comment "INVITATION" and watch as the fruit of your obedience grows deeper and stronger roots for later seasons.

#invitation #obedience #love #father #christianblogger #blogger #faith #faithblog