Preparing for Obedience
(Zeke Lamb )
So often we cry out to God for His working in and through
our lives. We beg for His will and plan to become clear to us day by day. In
those quiet moments when we feel as if God has forgotten about us, our only
yearning is His leading. In this condition of longing for His voice, it is
absolutely critical that we prepare ourselves to respond when the call comes
forth.
Preparing for
obedience is about daily crucifying the desires of our flesh so that the works
of Christ can be manifested in our lives. Galatians 2:20 states: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I
that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh
I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave
himself up for me.” Why is this so critical one might ask? Often times, God may
bring forth a call that does not come close to what you had in mind. He may ask
you to sacrifice in ways you never imagined. He may ask you to do things you
never thought you were capable of or comfortable with. If we do not prepare
ourselves for absolute obedience, the call may come and we may not answer.
When we crucify any and all
personal, fleshly desires and willfully submit to God’s purpose for our lives,
we position ourselves for His glory. As we daily surrender to Him, His desires
become our desires and we prepare our hearts to obey no matter what God asks of
our lives. In this spiritual condition, we remain active and ready to respond
to His call upon our lives.
Consider an athlete for example. Often times they know
not when that BIG moment will arrive, but he or she must steadfastly prepare
for that "such a time as this" moment. Are you daily preparing
yourself for obedience? If not, one of two things will happen. 1) You will not
hear the call. 2) You hear but do not have the courage to obey. God has a
mighty plan for you! Prepare to respond to the call.
Faithfulness and intimacy with the Father is the only way
to ensure that you and I remain in a condition that is prepared to obey His
voice when it is our time to be used. Consider Abraham as you analyze and
ponder this subject. Because he pursued a relationship with God, he was willing
to offer his son as a sacrifice. Abraham could have rationalized in a number of
ways. First, this was his son! Who could possibly slay his own flesh and blood?
Also, Isaac was the promised seed. Sacrificing him had to appear contrary to
God’s plan. Despite these two intense factors, Abraham prepared his heart to
obey the command of his Father.
The question is not, “will God speak”. The question is,
“will we obey”.
Zeke’s
Bio
ZEKE LAM
is the author of Submission, a book that draws readers closer to the
Savior. He is also the founder of SUBMISSION Ministries—a ministry devoted to
seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives fully surrendered to the risen
Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led him
through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of these
experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys to a Christ-centered life. Zeke resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife, Kathleen, and a
growing family of future world-changers.
Zeke’s Book
Submission
Prepare
to be stirred by this authentic calling to return to Scriptural obedience.
—Pastor Gabe Turner, The Point Church of Charlottesville, Virginia
In my
opinion Zeke has laid his finger on the defining message for our time. This
message is essential for believers everywhere…
—Eric Stephens, Pastor of Life Changing Ministries
and Fellowship in Sugarland, Texas
________________________________________________________________________
What is
the greatest challenge that the Church is facing today? Zeke Lam suggests that
one word is the greatest challenge: submission, or the lack thereof. It
is not external forces that nullify the testimony of a Christ-centered
believer, but rather the failure to humbly submit to the voice of the Lord.
This book will help you to live a surrendered life abiding in Christ.
Ø Is the approval of God
more important to you than the approval of man?
Ø Is the presence of God
evident in your life?
Ø Do you fiercely protect
your intimacy with Christ?
Ø Do you desire to live a
life of truth, free from the lies of the devil?
Ø Is God’s divine character
visible to those around you?
Learn how
to submit your life wholeheartedly to the Lord so that you can dwell
continually in the secret place—a place of intimacy, surrender and joy.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
ZEKE
LAM is the founder of SUBMISSIONMinistries—a ministry devoted to seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives
fully surrendered to the risen Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led
him through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of
these experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys
to a Christ-centered life. Zeke resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife, Kathleen, and a growing family of
future world-changers.
3.
ISBN-13
978-1-9374-8100-1
4.
ISBN-10
1-9374-8100-X
5.
Author website
My further question in relation to my own life:
ReplyDeleteIs what I think is my obedience truly within God's will--is what He is telling me the same as what I am hearing. Do I fully understand or is my will interfering and misinterpreting? Lot's of prayer is at hand.
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With regard to my perceived obedience and God's will, I can only share what I do. I certainly can't provide the one great answer to that question. My first litmus test is the written word, both what He tells us in black and white and the principles we can derive directly from scripture. I try never to take a derived principle, combine it with another derived principle and come up with a new principle. that process takes us logically further from God's word and allows human thinking to take over.
ReplyDeleteIf my perceived obedience passes the first test, and I still believe my planned action is what God wants, I usually charge ahead trusting that as I carefully, prayerfully plan my way, God will direct my footsteps (Pro 16:9), even if that means he makes me step in another direction.