Not Now Lord!

The Lord been tugging at my heart trying to get me to come out of my comfort zone and step out in faith. I know I’m not the only one. Each of us has a calling on our lives. Our purpose is for such a time as this. We are being trained and prepared daily for the service that He has called us to. He is helping us restructure, restore, and renew all areas of our lives making us living testimonies bringing glory to Him and the name of Jesus.

We all desire for our Lord to bring us from glory to glory and victory to victory. We should want to be mature in our faith and constantly be growing in the knowledge and love of Christ. However, this requires commitment to the Word of God. Not to just be hearers but doers of His Word. Therefore our faith must be tested, exercised, and made strong. Our faith has opportunity to grow when we are challenged to rely strictly on the Word of God and His promises denying what we see, feel, fear, and what our critics say.

We pray and ask Him to change us, make us more like Christ, and to use us. Then he asks us to do something, to change, to go, to stay, to write, to help, to surrender, to forgive, and to love but so often times we respond with “Not now Lord.”

“Not now Lord I’m not ready”
“Not now Lord I’m too weak.”
“Not now Lord I’m scared.”
“Not now Lord we don’t have enough money.”
“Not now Lord what if I’m rejected?”
“Not now Lord they don’t deserve my forgiveness.”

What’s up with all the excuses full of selfishness and fear? If we allow fear to have its way it will come in and squat in our hearts and minds claiming ownership refusing to leave? We must serve our flesh and fear an eviction notice today! “Fear this is not your residence! Get out in Jesus name!”

Remember that we are not in this alone. The Lord would never call us to do something that He has not equipped us for and already prepared a way. He will be our strength, comfort, guidance, hope, and provider. His Holy Spirit will give us the courage and wisdom we need to fulfill our calling. We just need to be sold out and obedient to the Word of God. The Lord desires obedience more than sacrifice.

“Obedience is far better than sacrifice. He is much more interested in your listening to him than your offering the fat of rams to him.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

“Sacrifice and offering You do not desire, nor have You delight in them; You have given me the capacity to hear and obey [Your law, a more valuable service than] burnt offerings and sin offerings [which] You do not require.” (Psalm 40:5)

Obedience to the Word of God shows that we love and trust Him. We need to leave our excuses for those who have no faith and remember that we serve a Mighty God. Instead of “Not now Lord” we will say “Ok Lord..I trust you to see me through this. I can do this through Christ who strengthens me. Here we go...”

Lord, forgive us for making excuses when you’ve called us to step out on your Word. We trust you and know that you have made a way for us to accomplish all that you have for us. We know we are not alone. Thank you for your Holy Spirit and all of your provisions. In Jesus name. Amen.