I’ve been reading Lynn Austin’s book series, Chronicles of the King. The first few books in this fictional series bring color and depth to the life of a real king—Hezekiah—who reigned over Judah from 716/15 – 687/86 B.C. Because of my love for “period pieces” and out of my love for the Bible, Ms. Austin’s books are a good fit for my heart, even though artistic licensing is at work. A little imagination from her pen spurs mine along, fostering my thinking about God, his people, and their constant struggle to understand him, honor him, and, ultimately, to obey him. It seems to me the Israelites were always stepping just outside the parameters of who God intended for them to be. No wonder my fascination; I see my story written in theirs.
Now, take these books, stand them alongside my journey with the 7th year and, then, prop them both up beside the current ministry road I’m traveling with my family. In doing so, one theme emerges for me. One phrase. One challenge. One certain and strong whisper from the Father’s heart into mine.
Unparalleled obedience.
This is what God expects of me in this season; not that he hasn’t expected it from me in my earlier seasons or that all of life shouldn’t be met with supreme allegiance to the King. But now, right now, is the time when I see this most clearly, feel this most deeply, and understand this most fully.
Now is the time to walk the hard road of unparalleled obedience. Now is NOT the time to monkey around with my faith or play Russian roulette with God’s grace. Now is NOT the time to chase fires (remember that story?); now is the time to stay on the path with no straying. There’s too much on the line, and God is closely watching my steps.
Accordingly, I must guard my heart so that God can most clearly guide my steps. Unparalleled obedience requires intentional focus—a willing yielding to what God says even when what God says feels restricting. A little restriction . . . a little “uncomfortable and inconvenient” is small surrender in comparison to what God wants to offer in exchange—his favor. His direction. His voice. God has a plan, and I don’t want to miss it because of my unwillingness to apply my heart, mind, and soul toward obedience.
So what does this look like for me? How will I go about guarding my heart and mind in Christ Jesus? Here’s my fix (simple in scope; harder in sequence):
Fix my heart on God’s heart.
Fix my mind on God’s Word.
Fix my soul on God’s forever.
However he loves, whatever he says, and wherever he lives, this is where I must reside if I want to walk in unparalleled obedience to my King. When the heart wanders, the mind strays, and the soul lingers within worldly boundaries not tempered by eternal realities, the only allegiance given is to the cravings of the flesh that will never finish me “holy” but, instead, wholly hamper me.
I don’t imagine I’ve ever been more seriously inclined toward godly obedience. I do imagine God thinking it’s about time.
How about you? Is God calling you to an unparalleled obedience in this season—a time of walking the straight line of faith? No chasing a distant fire but, instead, staying firmly on the God-ordained path in front of you and making sure that any misstep is quickly confessed and corrected so that you don’t forgo the next glory God has in store for you?
I do believe that an unparalleled obedience to God and his rule is a requirement for a growing faith. I also believe that we sometimes don’t take it as seriously as we should. Casual obedience fosters casual faith—a sloppy belief system that cripples us instead of equipping us. Too much of that kind of monkeying around and we’ll find ourselves outside of Canaan and on the road toward captivity.
I don’t know about you, but I want to live free. Funny thing . . . to live there, I must live an unparalleled obedience to the King, chained to his heart, his Word, and his forever. However he loves. Whatever he says. Wherever he lives. Here is where I will wait. The next move belongs to God, and my eyes are fixed in anticipation of his glorious revelation. Greater still, my will is ready to obey.
Indeed, I think it’s about time. As always . . .
Peace for the journey,
PS: For a free, Kindle download of the first book in Lynn Austins’ series, Gods and Kings, click here!
Absolutely! Obedience? Bring it! Yeeeehaw!
Yes, I need to fix my mind on God’s Word. Sometimes it wanders into unbelieving thoughts, and I don’t want to chase after those. I want to stay firmly on the God-ordained path. I need Him every hour!
It is quite a paradox, isn’t it – freedom & unparalleled obedience! My spirit is SO willing. My flesh is SO weak. God have mercy.
Oh yes, unparalleled obedience. This is what I want in my life. I was struck by your phrase, “uncomfortable and inconvenient.” I have prayed for God to show me what He wants me to do in my new mountain home. He gave me my word for 2013 – DIRECTION – and it couldn’t be more timely. Well, just a couple of weeks ago I was approached to become part of the AWANA program at our church. My first thought was, “But I’ve gotten used to not having obligations on my calendar again. I kinda like it that way.” But, of course, God’s direction on this couldn’t have been much clearer. I’ll be working with older kids (uncomfortable) and it will involve a commitment on my part (inconvenient). But oh, I just can’t wait to see what God will do with this step of obedience in HIS direction!
GOD BLESS!
I love Lynn’s series Chronicles of the Kings. A few years back, I read all 5 books in a week, this was in addition to a 50 hour work week–yup–that’s how good they were! Thank you for this blog post–your words were a perfect way to start my day! I, too, have been hearing the word obedience more and more…often prefaced with the words: “It doesn’t matter what you may think or feel like–do it out of obedience.” Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts–an inspiration and motivation!
Each year, month, albeit day, I am challenged to walk a tighter rope with God, straying not to the right or to the left. It is the biggest test of perseverance. It breaks, refines, strengthens, and renews our faith. Yes dear lady, greater faith is only obtained through unparalleled obedience.
Blessings!
Amen.
Yes, unparalleled obedience is what I want. I have read that series of books and LOVED them. Could hardly put them down as a matter of fact. What truths I gleaned from them!
Unparalleled obedience requires intentional focus—a willing yielding to what God says even when what God says feels restricting.
I agree with every word you wrote here. Casual obedience results in casual faith. Yes to that too.
I am finding out that as we draw nearer to His heart, more is required. We cannot afford to miss a single direction from Him. The kingdom secrets are more valuable the closer we get to His throne. And they are revealed to us only when we spend time in the throne room, in His presence.
Elaine, what a beautiful post this is. It has spoken deeply to my heart. I am amazed… you speak of things that are also very much on my heart…
I read about the cupcakes that fell… but surely your children were still able to enjoy them… especially after hearing the story of what happened.
Thinking of you with love today.
Much love
Lidia
I read a devotional in times past about “delayed obedience” and the many ramifications it causes…that phrase has stuck in my mind for a long time…and now after reading your words today, “unparalleled obedience” will serve as its antithesis in my mind for what my Lord requires, desires, and deserves from His daughter….
I do believe God is calling me also to unparalleled obedience. My one word for 2013 is surrender. To me that meant opening every single part of me to the Lord, nothing held back. Although I know I cannot hide anything from Him, I desire to give Him my all completely. I want to know what it is to walk in the Spirit and not give in to satisfying my flesh. I read one of Lynn Austin’s books in this series. It was offered on Kindle for free a while back. I enjoyed reading it while working out on my treadmill.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
wifeforthejourney:
Obedience is the essence of self-denial but all-to-often we don’t see the rewards that come with doing what God says. We see “obedience” in therms of the family dog, rather than Christian disciplship. The rewards of serving the Lord often seem to have a sort shelf-life in our daily lives; we are prone to forget His goodness when selfish ambition comes calling.
The book you are reading may be fiction, but the inspiration it has provided you with is a good word for us all today. Lord may I be reminded again of how my obedience sets me at liberty to enjoy your many promises to the fullest!
Love you,
Billy
Thank you Elaine once again for your “words fitly spoken.” I have come back to this post this morning to reread. I won’t go on and on but just wanted you to know God is using you in my life. We seem to be tracking together in our walk.
So today, I exited sugared creamer and a nut mix I overeat on out the kitchen door. I know, seems so small but it represents a large step along the path of surrender. Seems the kitchen is my training ground!
Should you ever wonder if your words/blog matter, they DO! Resonates, challenges, inspires and encourages this grace-needy cyber friend!
I whispered a prayer for a great obedience filled day for you, and your readers.
Margi
Small steps woven together leave a trail of long obedience, Margi. Like you, I’m making small steps. Thank you for traveling with me.