Faith And Obedience
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Kings 17:1-24 and Psalm 89:19-29 (NIV)
(Eddy Chan, Associate PTM)
READ:
1 Kings 17:1-24 and Psalm 89:19-29 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Elijah in this text demonstrated a vital discipleship response. It was of obedience and faith.
From the text, we read that Elijah obeyed and took courage to believe in God regardless of the consequences. We see him demonstrate faith and obedience when he courageously pronounced God’s judgement to the King of Israel, Ahab, despite it being very inconvenient to do so knowing what Ahab was capable of. It would have been more convenient for him to go away cowardly, and avoid tension and potential inconveniences. Instead of succumbing, he surrendered his will to God’s purposes, fully showing how faith and obedience are vital responses in our discipleship journey.
The passage in Psalm 89 heralds the faithfulness and unfailing love of God when we choose to surrender our will to His in obedience and faith.
APPLY:
As I reflected on the text, I was made aware of this “crisis” in my own discipleship journey. I realised that my faith and obedience to God appear more forthcoming when it does not cost me anything. I find it difficult to crucify my pride and ego. The opinion of others weighs more heavily than God’s.
Elijah demonstrated faith and obedience even when it was inconvenient to do so. His faith was evident through obedience. He obeyed fully, and has the assurance of God’s faithfulness and His unfailing love which will never disappoint.
DO:
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) : Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
- Identify what areas God is calling me to “trust” Him.
- Search my heart for areas that I am reluctant to submit to God. Repent of them (“do not depend”).
- “seek His will” My discipleship journey should not be about what I can do. Rather, what He can do through me. God knows my ability and He will never disappoint.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to grant me the faith and obedience to respond to Him.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a heart open to Your wisdom and guidance. Lord, I ask for the faith to trust You completely, to not rely on my own limited perspective but to seek Your infinite wisdom in every situation. Help me to obey Your commands and to follow the path You have set before me, even when it is not clear or easy.
Grant me the courage to let go of my need for control and the strength to surrender my plans to Your perfect will. May I acknowledge You in all my ways, knowing that You are with me, guiding and directing my steps.
Thank You for the promise that when I place my trust in You, You will lead me. I pray for the obedience to walk the path you are directing me to take, and for the faith to keep moving forward, even when I cannot see what lies ahead.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
