What’s the one thing God is asking you to do right now—that you’re not sure you want to do?
Maybe you’re reading that question and thinking, “There’s nothing I can think of. I’m pretty sure I’m being obedient to what He’s asking.” Or maybe you’re reading the question and thinking, “Just one? Brother, I could give you a list.”
But seriously: Is there something you’re sure that God is asking of you that you don’t want to do?
Is it changing careers? Ending an unhealthy relationship? Confronting a loved one about sin you’ve noticed creeping into their lives? Confessing your own sin and asking forgiveness?
Capture whatever that thing is for a minute. Examine it. And, maybe, ask another question:
“Why am I afraid of doing this?”
What will obedience to God cost?
Reading Hosea Thursday morning reminded me of something important. Hosea 3:1-5 says:
And the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love cakes of raisins.” So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethech of barley. And I said to her, “You must dwell as mine for many days. You shall not play the whore, or belong to another man; so will I also be to you.” For the children of Israel shall dwell many days a without king or prince, without sacrifice or pillar, without ephod or household gods. Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord their God, and David their king, and they shall come in fear to the Lord and to his goodness in the latter days.
God tells the prophet Hosea to pursue his adulteress wife, Gomer—to redeem and purify her.
Just as God does for His wayward people. Just as God does for me. And as He does for all who belong to Him.
I want to be purified; to take my sin as seriously as Jesus does.
And to take holiness just as seriously.
God’s purification has a price: Obedience.
And sometimes it’s going to hurt.
But it’s worth it.
If you’d be so kind, pray for me today, would you?
