Joshua 24:15

15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

Once more, I’ve found myself looking back at my relationship with God only to discover I delayed my obedience to Him….again. But that’s smoothing over it a bit. Let’s just call it like it is: I disobeyed Him. I refused to surrender my will. I neglected to do the will of the One who created me, and has a purpose for my life.

Several years ago, God told me to do something. I started the process, but then placed it on a shelf- literally. Multiple times the Holy Spirit would remind me of it, but I would listen to the lies of the enemy instead. As the deceiver whispered “did God really say to do that?” I’d justify why it was a bad idea or how nothing good could possibly come from it (for me).

And then, one day, as I was reading another Oswald Chambers devotion I was reminded, AGAIN, and I could no longer ignore God’s prompting to obey. In that moment, I had to choose whom I would serve: God, or the enemy. I immediately got up from my secret place where I had been sitting in the Lord’s presence… and DID something! I also confessed my disobedience (sin) to my husband and mentors so that they could pray for me.

James 5:16

16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

On judgment day, it won’t matter how many blogs I’ve written, couples I’ve mentored, small groups I’ve led, or conferences I’ve spoken at…..my entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven will be determined by whether or not I chose to do the will of God.

Matthew 7:21-23

21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’

Jesus did the will of the Father. Every moment of every day for the 33 years He lived on this earth. Each mundane, each epic event was submitted to the will of the One who sent Him. And God requires the same of me.

“I cannot give up my will, I must exercise it. I must will to obey, and I must will to receive God’s Spirit…..  Profess to Him – “I will be loyal.” Immediately, you choose to be loyal to Jesus Christ, you are a witness against yourself. Don’t consult other Christians, but profess before Him- I will serve Thee. Will to be loyal- and give other people credit for being loyal too.” Oswald Chambers