“Obedience brings blessing.”
Elisabeth Elliott
God loves it when we obey Him and the twenty-sixth chapter of Leviticus confirms this. Here are some of the rewards from obedience that are listed in that chapter: great harvest that lasts till the next season of sowing, peace, security, fruitfulness or increase, God’s presence, and freedom. God highlighted verse ten to me. “You will still be eating last year’s harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new.” This scripture gives me the impression of abundance, having more than enough. When we obey God, His reward is abundance.
The Lord showed me years ago that when we surrender to God’s authority, the exchange always goes up. God asked us to close down a ministry we pioneered for almost eight years, without any idea of what He had next, but He promised us it would be even better. I am holding onto that same assurance now, in regards to what God has next for us in Wichita.
It comforts me that in the midst of grieving loss, there is always hope. Hope for more. More of His presence, more fruitful ministry, more freedom, and more of the outworking and anointing of the Holy Spirit. And for that, as well as God’s worthiness, I gladly obey.
I believe John and I will still be eating from the harvest in Omaha, while needing to make room for the new God has for us in Wichita. God has assured me that He will cause us to flourish and reach a new height of development and influence in Wichita. His equipping there will allow us in even greater ways, to be who He has created us to be, thus fulfilling His destiny for our lives.
There is often a cost or sacrifice with obedience, but it is always worth it. We can’t out give God! Obedience releases blessing in our lives, which is one reason why our heavenly Father encourages us to obey. He alone knows what’s best for us, and when we submit to Him, then we will receive His reward of abundance, having more than enough.
“All true knowledge of God is born out of obedience.”
John Calvin
Relevant Reflections:
How have you experienced God’s abundance as a result from obeying Him?
In what area of sacrificial obedience, do you need hope?
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