Struggle with Obedience
Growing up, I struggled with authority. Even in the military, I had a challenge following certain regulations, especially AFR 35-10. This regulation outlined proper dress and appearance of Air Force Personnel. Showering and having a clean, pressed uniform wasn’t the issue, it was the haircuts. I would always push the limit on hair length so much so I remember debating my hair in leadership school with my instructor where the ruler was even brought out as weapon to measure. I won that “battle”! (only in the case of “I was right”) but I only brought attention to myself and caused more problems than what it was worth. I want to say I have gotten better, but I still struggle from time to time.
Freedom in Obedience
One area that has been a huge growing process for me is embracing the authority of God, Jesus and Holy Spirit. Ever since I heard “Go, and I will show you” in the spring of 2015, I have embraced the discipline of listening to Holy Spirit and then following. Some of the bigger, obvious ones like: giving up the comforts of a house, buying plane tickets to Japan for a “vision trip” to see where God was leading us, getting rid of our personal possessions, living out of a hotel and our latest obedient step… asking others to financially support our mission work.
My most uncomfortable steps, answers to prayers, greatest joys and where I have experienced the most freedom is in obedience.
A friend on my accountability team (his name is John, but we’ll call him… Kenny) asked me what has been my biggest challenge and my response: “Going from a career of being self-employed, financially relying on myself to totally depending on others for financial support.” Kenny had a feeling that would be my answer coming from a background of self-employment himself. He asked: “how have you managed this change?”. I said: “Obedience! I have not been concerned with performance and results like before in my professional stance, I have only been focused on my obedience knowing the results are of and from God.” Even though we are not even close to meeting our monthly budget yet and we leave in 5 months, I know that God has orchestrated everything and will call forward His church to indirectly “go and make disciples” through prayer and financial support. It’s amazing how He has provided for us thus far and we know He will continue to do so.
In closing, I am grateful for Matthew 28:19 jumping off the page at me pointing me to Japan during a discipleship training course over 2 years ago. But, honestly I can say, I am equally thankful and encouraged by the verse just before it: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
I hope you find comfort in His authority.
Blessings!