Wednesday: The Power of Obedience

BIG IDEA: It's better to be lonely and following God than popular and following the world.

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 18:36-37 (ESV)

"And at the time of the offering of the oblation (worship), Elijah the prophet came near and said, 'O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.'"

Leonard Ravenhill was quoted: “Prayer is not the preparation for the battle. Prayer IS the battle.”

Wow! What a public statement of faith!!!  You can see that Elijah fully believes in God’s promise and he is fully reliant on Him to break through with fire. And at the same time, he is clearly articulating that God is clearly the source of life and all good things.   Elijah's prayer demonstrated his obedience and faithfulness to God's command. Despite the opposition, his actions paved the way for God to reveal His power and for the people's hearts to be turned back to Him. Elijah's life underscores the power in obedience—it glorifies God and signals to others that He is real and active.

Our obedience to God is a testimony to the world. The Lord desires our faithfulness because it invites His presence and power into situations we couldn't face alone. Like Elijah, our obedient lives become living testimonies to the world around us.

You are Never Truly Alone: Steps of obedience are like bricks that are stacked together, held together by God’s promise. Each step of obedience draws us closer to God, and the Holy Spirit supports us in fulfilling our God-given missions. When you walk in obedience, the Holy Spirit equips you with all you need.

Action Step: Identify one area where God is calling you to obedience, even against the world's grain. Commit to taking the next step in obeying His call today.

Prayer: Lord, help me to say YES to you. I believe that every YES builds a legacy in my life that will no only impact me, but everyone around me. Please fill me with your Spirit to guide and strengthen my steps. Help my life to be a testimony of your power and love. Amen.

Song of the Day: "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” by the little Perstropes!!  Girls singing I Have Decided/I Surrender All 9-4-16

My #1 prayer was for all my children to know Jesus. Our 3 girls sang this song together a few weeks after Mya gave her life to Christ. For me, it was more profound than any award, diploma, or accomplishment in all of life. I got to see God fulfill His will through the life of my children, and I was so blessed!!