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Can God Get Glory from My Life?

    by Dominique Henderson

The Obedience Series: "Callings to Obedience"
Date Posted: August 30, 2009

It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. God accepted Abel's offering to show that he was a righteous man. And although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us because of his faith. It was by faith that Noah built an ark to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about something that had never happened before. By his faith he condemned the rest of the world and was made right in God's sight. It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:4,7,8

Without a doubt, God calls us to lives of obedience. But what may this look like in the life of a believer? Does it mean to leave the familiarity of family and kin like Abraham? Does it mean to build an ark for the threatening prospect of rain, although there was no such thing at the time? Maybe. Maybe not. But it does require obedience. Personally, I know first-hand that it is difficult for even seasoned believers to fully understand their God-given purpose. Three years ago I left a good paying job. At the time we had relatively no debt and seem to be thriving spiritually in our ministries. I was a young music director with a growing praise and worship ministry and my wife had been put in charge of the youth ministry. Things seemed wonderful. But I distinctly remember wanting more from my relationship with God. I had begun to search and seek after God like I never had before and I remember telling him to allow me to get even closer. I promised to do this at all costs. Sooner that I expected (much sooner!) things started happening. I felt God telling me to leave my “good-paying” job. After I left my job, nine months later we felt led to leave the church and our “thriving” ministries. Why am I bringing this up? Because all these events included a lot of pain and suffering and we didn’t understand why God was allowing us to experience these pressures. It seemed that we had had our “hedge” removed and we were being waylaid by the Enemy. Although we prayed and fasted it seemed to be a different obstacle around every corner. Why do things happen? I would respond with Romans 8:29 which say:

For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.

Are our trials supposed to turn our hearts away from God? No way. He is calling us to obey him which will be best for us in the long run. Painful as it is now, God’s ultimate plan for his children is to show his tremendous love. Although an inanimate object may take to molding with no problem, I have not been able to do that! As God has molded and conformed my flesh through difficulties, I have felt pain. I have felt anguish and frustration. But it has only drawn me into a deeper relationship with him. It has ultimately pushed me towards the throne. Here are some lessons I have learned (and am learning!) that may be helpful for you as you respond to God’s call for obedience in your life.

1. God’s plan is not always revealed to us…This is essentially a lesson in God’s sovereignty. He’s allowed to mold the creation because he is the Creator! The potter’s vessel is made in the image that the potter chooses not the vessel.

2. He’s not obligated to share his plan with us at any point along the way…This would be like trying to explain my plan to get out of debt to a one-year old! Just not happening. If you and I were to know God’s plan, honestly, what would we do with that information?

3. We’re obligated to trust him no matter what, if he is our Lord…This is calling card of all the famous faithful of Hebrews 11. Abraham almost murdered his son because of his faith. Noah built an ark in preparation for something that had never taken place before in history. Christ suffered and endured the cross because he knew that you and I would need access to the Father.

Keep trusting (even though it is hard). Keep believing (even though it seems impossible). Keep obeying (it is better than sacrifice).It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. God accepted Abel's offering to show that he was a righteous man. And although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us because of his faith. It was by faith that Noah built an ark to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about something that had never happened before. By his faith he condemned the rest of the world and was made right in God's sight. It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:4,7,8

Without a doubt, God calls us to lives of obedience. But what may this look like in the life of a believer? Does it mean to leave the familiarity of family and kin like Abraham? Does it mean to build an ark for the threatening prospect of rain, although there was no such thing at the time? Maybe. Maybe not. But it does require obedience. Personally, I know first-hand that it is difficult for even seasoned believers to fully understand their God-given purpose. Three years ago I left a good paying job. At the time we had relatively no debt and seem to be thriving spiritually in our ministries. I was a young music director with a growing praise and worship ministry and my wife had been put in charge of the youth ministry. Things seemed wonderful. But I distinctly remember wanting more from my relationship with God. I had begun to search and seek after God like I never had before and I remember telling him to allow me to get even closer. I promised to do this at all costs. Sooner that I expected (much sooner!) things started happening. I felt God telling me to leave my “good-paying” job. After I left my job, nine months later we felt led to leave the church and our “thriving” ministries. Why am I bringing this up? Because all these events included a lot of pain and suffering and we didn’t understand why God was allowing us to experience these pressures. It seemed that we had had our “hedge” removed and we were being waylaid by the Enemy. Although we prayed and fasted it seemed to be a different obstacle around every corner. Why do things happen? I would respond with Romans 8:29 which say:

For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.

Are our trials supposed to turn our hearts away from God? No way. He is calling us to obey him which will be best for us in the long run. Painful as it is now, God’s ultimate plan for his children is to show his tremendous love. Although an inanimate object may take to molding with no problem, I have not been able to do that! As God has molded and conformed my flesh through difficulties, I have felt pain. I have felt anguish and frustration. But it has only drawn me into a deeper relationship with him. It has ultimately pushed me towards the throne. Here are some lessons I have learned (and am learning!) that may be helpful for you as you respond to God’s call for obedience in your life.

1. God’s plan is not always revealed to us…This is essentially a lesson in God’s sovereignty. He’s allowed to mold the creation because he is the Creator! The potter’s vessel is made in the image that the potter chooses not the vessel.

2. He’s not obligated to share his plan with us at any point along the way…This would be like trying to explain my plan to get out of debt to a one-year old! Just not happening. If you and I were to know God’s plan, honestly, what would we do with that information?

3. We’re obligated to trust him no matter what, if he is our Lord…This is calling card of all the famous faithful of Hebrews 11. Abraham almost murdered his son because of his faith. Noah built an ark in preparation for something that had never taken place before in history. Christ suffered and endured the cross because he knew that you and I would need access to the Father.

Keep trusting (even though it is hard). Keep believing (even though it seems impossible). Keep obeying (it is better than sacrifice).

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Biography Information:
Dominique Henderson is a believer in the one and only Son of God - Jesus Christ.  After being a believer for many years, he didn't begin to realize the purpose God had for him until the age of 30.  He has a passion for fellow musicians and worship leaders that have allowed Satan to distract them from their God-given gifts.  He now lives day by day following the lead of the Holy Spirit--not perfectly but diligently. He enjoys writing and spending time with his wife, Briana, and their three children.
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