Let Go of The Excuses
Rev. Richard Lee, M.Min
Presiding Bishop Ambassadors of Christ General Convocation/Doctoral Student
“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’”
MATTHEW 16:24
God calls us to be uncomfortable. So many people express a desire to be instruments of service used by God, but when God calls, the response is “well, except for that.” Consider when some men wanted to follow Jesus, so Jesus said, come follow me, but one said, “I will come, but I have to go bury my family member.” Another said, “I will, but I have to tell my family goodbye” (Luke 9:57-62). Everyone who desired to follow Jesus had an excuse and responded, I will do what you want me to do, BUT I have to do what makes me comfortable first. All these guys had excuses, and we can be that way too.
Many times, people pray that they want to be used by God, but the truth is, people want to be used only when they can remain comfortable. Many people will go on a week-long mission trip to a third world country, but how many of those people would sell everything and stay on the mission if God asked? It is most likely that the response will be “I will, but...” How many will come up with some excuse? It is possible that we could come up with some reason why staying on mission is not plausible and why it could not possibly be the Lord calling us to give our lives.
God has so much in mind for the lives of His beloved and the Kingdom, but we are too busy to hear God call, or we are too attached to our own comfortable world to let go surrender and let God lead us into the unknown.
When we can step out of our comfort zone, our box, and do something uncomfortable that God asks us to do, God will bless obedience, and God will bless others as well.
God’s glory is so great that God can manifest Himself through the obedient heart. Still, we must be willing to walk where boldly and unabashedly God leads Where God guides, His Spirit proceeds, and His majesty extends beyond what we could ever imagine.
Ordained Elder, Administrative Support to Pastoral Staff -Ambassadors of Christ
1 年WOWsers... Powerful message that is very important for all to hear, thanks for sharing
Retired Volunteer
4 年I would if I could, but I cannot I know. I need all my grain to prosper and grow..... "Not I" said the swan. "The entire idea is utterly absurd. I'd be laughed at and scorned if the other swans heard." And who will write her eulogy? "I will " says the Earth. "For all I've created returns unto me. From dust were ye made, and dust ye shall be" The Sparrow by Paul Simon