EMPOWERING LIVES WITH PURPOSE:
Many of us who are raising children or those who have raised children in the past, see them strive to attain independence.
Children want recognition when they accomplish something on their own, showing us their big happy faces of pride and joy. Independence can be encouraged by parents at the right times but how many of us would much rather see our children act obediently rather than independently?
As adults, it is God’s grace that leads us to obedience, not independence. Think about yourself as God’s child.
Our Father God wants His daughters to shine like lights in the world. He wants our obedient hearts, not hearts that are independent of Him.
“My beloved ones, just like you’ve always listened to everything I’ve taught you in the past, I’m asking you now to keep following my instructions as though I were right there with you. Now you must continue to make this new life fully manifested as you live in the holy awe of God–which brings you trembling into his presence.
God will continually revitalize you, implanting within you the passion to do what pleases him.”
(Phil 2:12-13)
When I read about Noah I saw how many times he acted in obedience to God’s instruction…so many times. If he acted independently of God, the story would be much different. Noah’s response to the grace of God was obedience to His commands.
Noah moved with faith and acted in obedience. He did nothing independent of God. I pray we can all keep this in mind when God speaks to us. How do we respond? Independently and choosing our own way to do things or in obedience to God’s Word?
My prayer is you’ll move obediently through your life as God leads you to do and not try to do things independently of His direction, especially leading your children. God says “follow His instructions as if He’s right there with you”. Amen.