J.A. Matteson
Never is your obedience to God carried out in a vacuum where others remain unaffected. "When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem" (Acts 21:12). Your going about your day pursuing a particular course of action when the Spirit intervenes to alter your course. Clearly the impression is to not complete the action you planned, "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Prov. 16:9). The correction of direction may come gradually as a check in your spirit or abruptly as an unmistakable red flag of danger if you continue ahead. Stop immediately when the prompting comes and inquire intently in order to know what the mind of Christ is directing you to do. Our obedience is always for a testimony of Jesus Christ, a furtherance of the gospel. It is at this pivotal juncture that the Spirit of God applies the Word of God to your circumstances by bringing to your remembrance what he has previously said. Until now a particular statement from God's word may have been abstract, but now with crystal clarity you know without any degree of uncertainty God is applying it to your present circumstance. You further recognize in that moment that obedience will likely invoke the displeasure of those around you, but disobedience is not an option. Compelled by the Spirit you alter your course, following the lead of the Spirit regardless of the cost personally. Most around you will not understand because the promoting is intensely personal, a word spoken to your heart alone. Some will reason you are out of your mind. Some will harbor displeasure because your obedience cost them something they felt entitled to, generally your obedience will impact their sense of entitlement with regard to power, money, security, reputation, position or status. But with your obedience the Spirit also whispers the sweet words, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matt. 25:14).
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
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