The Importance of Obedience

The Importance of Obedience

“but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.” Jeremiah 7:23

I wanted to share an awesome encounter I had earlier this week. So, the other day at work I got done about 20 minutes early and the last patient of the day was about to leave. It being one of my long work days I was excited to get done a little early. But the patient came up front and we began chatting about life and everything that he was going through. I LOVE talking! But I also love listening and I think it we underestimate the power that it holds. A listening ear is a loving heart. This opened the door for me to pray this patient. As we talked about his struggles I encouraged him and pointed him to Jesus. I told him that I would be praying for him. Yet the words felt void as I said them. Immediately in my head I heard the Lord tell me “Ask him if he wants prayer!” The Holy Spirit prompted me a few times. I could have ignored it and left work early like I was hoping to, but I didn’t. Don’t ignore that prompting when God shows up and makes a way!

By obeying that prompting to ask a simple question it opened the door for me to pray for this person. I asked this patient if he wanted prayer and at first he was hesitant, but after a few seconds his heart was softened and he agreed. I had an awesome God encounter! It’s so cool how God makes a way for these things to so easily fall into place. Where there is a need God opens the door and He will bring the right people and opportunities to you.

Don’t underestimate the power of your “yes” in the seemingly small. These small things might be what makes the biggest difference in someone’s life. Even if it’s just a smile be obedient to what the Lord is telling you to do. I have so many awesome little testimonies like that just from being obedient to God. Pray. Pause. Listen. Take the time to listen to what He is saying. Just be available and He will lead you to the next step and the next. Step out in faith knowing He is with you and He’s leading you. Nothing is wasted with God. Even if you do it and it doesn’t go as planned God honors your obedience.

I could have just walked away. But I would have been walking way from one of the most incredible opportunities to witness to someone and possibly change their life. I don’t know how God is going to use it. But He does! I don’t know what He’s going to do through me or this patient. But He does! So stay obedient even in the seemingly small. You’re growing your own faith and confidence with each step you take trusting the Holy Spirit as He leads. God is right there with you ordaining your steps. As believers we have the ability to draw others into the light or the dark. You have the power to choose how God is going to use you each day. Don’t get distracted. Don’t numb yourself to the sound of His voice. He is calling you to take a step out. Don’t you hear Him?

Remember You are Fearfully Made

xoxo Taylor Nicole ❤

Do You Hear What I Hear? Do You See What I See?

Do You Hear What I Hear? Do You See What I See?

Amidst the chaos of the last few weeks I woke up to the Lord saying “Do you hear what I hear? Do you see what I see?” Immediately I knew He was confirming to me everything that the last few weeks encompassed. My circumstances getting continually more chaotic and stressful. Distractions and noise coming from every direction. I knew the the enemy was trying to discourage me, but I also knew God was doing something bigger.

When we can’t quite see what’s happening or understand why things are going on we need to seek God. He is our clarity in the confusion and gives us a sound mind. Despite the chaos around me the last few weeks I stood on Jesus and pursed Him relentlessly. I cried out to Him pleading He show me His way. So, a little backstory on the situation. I had left my old job and accepted a position with a new company. Upon starting this new job red flags were popping up left and right! The alarms were sounding in my spirit and I couldn’t ignore the things that were going on. Yet, I felt led by God to accept this position and everything fell so easily into place. I quietly took note of these concerns and paid close attention the following weeks. At this new job they said and did all the “right” things, but there was an overwhelming sense something was so off. Things just didn’t add up. Little by little more signs appeared and the unease increased. The most toxic atmosphere of manipulation and lies became apparent to me and I could no longer stay there. When I told my new boss I would be leaving every red flag reared its ugly head. All I had been feeling was confirmed and moving forward it only got worse. But God used this for my good as He uses all things for our good. Yes, I felt led to go there, but I believe it was for the purpose of growing with the Lord. In these tests He pushes us and it’s up to us if we grow with God or choose our own path. I realized through this God was growing my faith and increasing my ability to fully trust Him. He was confirming to me what I was discerning was correct. It gave me a greater confidence in myself and also a greater faith in Him.

With this job came an excitement of breakthrough. I felt like God was finally doing something new. My plans of what I thought was “the best” or “the right thing” quickly crumbled before my eyes. God was showing me sometimes what we think we want isn’t always the best thing for us. We think we know what we need and want, but things aren’t always what they seem. God was stripping so much away so I only had Him. He wants us to turn to Him and rely on Him never other people or things. He was also testing me to see if I would be obedient to Him. What the Lord is speaking to you most likely won’t make any sense to the world. I had such anxiety over this at first and it caused a lot of stress and inner conflict. I was trying to be rational, but no amount of pro con lists could combat what the Holy Spirit was so strongly speaking to me. I knew as quickly as I came I had to leave.

Walking in obedience isn’t always easy. Actually it rarely is. It’s really hard! Most the of the time you end up disappointing someone and people won’t always understand your decisions. God has been really working in me lately and especially through all of this highlighting the importance of knowing our identity. Our worth and identity comes from Him. Everyone isn’t going to like you all time and that’s okay. That’s something I really had to work on the last few years with the Lord. It’s hard especially when you know someone is mad at you, but as long as you know you did everything to the best of your ability and obeyed God that’s all that matters. God will deal with the rest.

This is a reminder to seek God and pay attention to the little signs the Holy Spirit is impressing on you. Don’t harden your heart to Him. He desires to bless you and wants to walk hand in hand with you. He desires to lead you into your victory and promises. He’s asking “Do you hear what I hear? Do you see what I see?” Will you trust and be obedient to what He’s showing you? Even when its hard? Even when prosecution comes? Step out in faith because the Lord will bless your obedience. He will always make a way. He will take the broken messy pieces and create something even better than we can imagine. Dare to see what He sees.

Remember You are Fearfully Made

xoxo Taylor Nicole ❤