Simple, Not Easy
“Faith is simple, not easy.” My former procrastinator ears perked up.
The pastor preaching referred to Abraham and others mentioned in Hebrews 11. God instructed Abraham to leave Ur for an unknown land where He promised children and riches. Abraham believed God and obeyed. Carrying it out was not easy.
The pastor mentioned that what makes life complicated is so often our justifications – my objections, my “why not to’s” in response to God’s direction.
I understand God’s simple prompting that I should get up early for quiet time before the day’s activities begin. Yet I respond with justifications not to do that: “I need rest to be sharp for the day.” “I’ve had a cold.” “I’m not at my best then.”
Maybe He prompts me to call a neighbor for coffee. “We’re both very busy.” “What do we do about the children?” “Maybe she doesn’t drink coffee.”
I’m adept at finding “good reasons” not to do what God prompts me to do. So I procrastinate. Maybe it’s out of fear or nervousness, feeling overwhelmed or tired. Maybe I don’t see why something is necessary or I claim other things I should do first. I can get very creative! But my objections almost always boil down to some expression of self. I just want my way. If God wants something else, I put Him off.
My prideful justifications twist the truth. Using them, I complicate my life. I walk into a hedge of thorns and steer my feet off the path.
I have many reasons to keep papers God is prompting me to clean out. “I might use this someday.” If I believe God, I will get rid of them in faith, knowing that His thoughts are higher and greater than mine. I can be confident of benefit because He loves me and His guidance is trustworthy.
Hebrews 11:30 says “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.” If I’d been there, I’d maybe have said, “You know this clay -jar- circling- round -with -a -trumpet thing is not doing it for me. How’s that going to defeat the enemy? I vote we do something that makes more sense. Until then, I’m out.” But in faith the Israelites obeyed God’s command. He gave great victory. (Joshua 6:1-5)
Obeying God’s prompting keeps life simple.
Procrastination puts Him off – and His blessings too. Let’s choose faith even if we perceive no blessings ahead. Let’s choose Jesus.
What direction do you have from God and what “justification” that puts Him off?
