Watch, listen, and obey!

John 14:21, “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

It is interesting to know that being a Christian really isn’t that hard if we would simply obey God’s speaking in our hearts. Too many people get caught up in religion and doing good works as a mean to earn their way to salvation. Jesus wasn’t too fond of religion. He debated against the Pharisees and Sadducees during his days on earth. He knew that they were living hypocrite lives. Jesus walked on earth to show us that the only way to the Father is through Him. And by through Him, we are called to follow His footsteps. It really doesn’t take much and I would like to share a personal story with you that I think fits into this example very well.

The past couple of weeks I have been vacationing and traveled many miles! I traveled, by car, about 3,500 to 4,000 miles in a three weeks span! And summer is not even over yet! I still have many more miles to travel! Anyways, it has been an awesome couple of weeks because I was able to get a break from the everyday busy lifestyle. I experienced a different level of intimacy with the Lord and spiritual refreshment. Typically, my mornings usually start off with a prayer and devotions; and throughout the day, I would meditate a lot. It has been different during my vacation and worshipped the Lord in a different way. As I was traveling throughout the country, the Lord has been speaking to my heart about many different things. I meditated a lot as I was driving. I witnessed God’s beautiful creations. I was blessed by other people with their God-given gifts and generosity. I developed new relationships and friendships with some new people. I experienced some trials and knew that God was strengthening my character. Above all else, I am deeply amazed and in awe of God’s amazing love for His people!

There is one of many stories that I would like to share that I experienced in the past three weeks. While I was staying in the St. Augustine beach area in Florida, I experienced a simple act of obedience even when it didn’t seem like it would make a difference. One hot and humid morning, I was going for an 8 mile jog along the main road just off the beach. Towards the half way point of my jog, I turned around and about a tenth of a mile ahead of me I noticed something unusual on the sidewalk. I thought my mind was playing tricks on me. Am I really seeing some bills on the sidewalk, I asked myself? I had just passed this point less than 5 minutes ago and I didn’t remember passing by anyone or seeing any money on the ground. As I approached closer, I realized that it really was money! I stopped, took a look around, hesitated, and then bent down to pick up the money. It wasn’t much, but it was 5 single dollar bills. My first reaction was, “Yeah!” I mean, who wouldn’t get excited? I was already thinking of the many small things I could buy with $5. A free lunch. Maybe a Trilogy Kombucha tea, which is my favorite drink, but expensive. Maybe some ice cream. Or whatever else…I was excited! I folded up the money and started to run again. As I got back to focus, I saw a woman carrying a bag walking with a little girl ahead of me. I thought, “Could it be that this woman dropped the money?” Even if I did stop by to ask, she may lie about it and say that it is her money. I decided I would just not ask and keep the money for myself. For some reason I was immediately convicted and prayed a short prayer to God. I knew what I had to do. As I approached her, I asked her if she lost some money. Immediately, her hands went into her pockets and she realized her money was gone. I gave her the $5 and told her I found it on the ground. She was saying some things to me, but I was trying hard to lip-read. I’m pretty sure she said that she and her daughter were on their way to the grocery store and that was the only money she had left. I said, “No problem” and took off. I felt relieved, at peace, and was glad I performed a simple act of obedience. I mean, if you think about it, a family might have been in need that day and I was living in abundance. The $5 may not seem much to me, but to another, it’s everything.

Sometimes God uses us in the small things to show others how we are to follow Jesus’ footsteps. Nothing should be taken for granted. If we would just take a step back, take a closer look at things, and ask God for wisdom. No matter how small or large things are, God is always at work. Take a minute and ask God to help you to slow down and take a closer look at things. You may be surprised in what comes your way as God works in strange and mysterious ways! I hope this story has blessed you in a special way and have you thinking about your personal lives as well. God Bless you!