Reckless Abandonment

http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1013334

 

When my children were growing up, I wanted them to LISTEN when I instructed them to do something and then OBEY.  Simple as that.  But it never was simple.  It seemed there was always an excuse . . .

 “I didn’t hear you.”  I forgot.” “I’m going to do it, I just haven’t had time.”  “I’ll get to it soon . . ."

As I write these words, I feel them echo deep in the halls of time in my own life as I’ve responded to my Heavenly Father’s promptings and commands.  How slow I’ve been to respond and how quick to give an excuse.  I dawdle and procrastinate, question if it was really from God or just my vain imagination and generally fail to do what God is calling me to.

This summer I decided I was done arguing, procrastinating and questioning.  When I sensed God prompting, I was just going to plain DO it.  No hemming and hawing, no dillydallying just plain old-fashioned obedience.  It’s been an amazing, crazy, and life-altering ride!

I’ve done things I’ve never dreamed I would do and I’ve loved every moment.  I’ve given a fifty dollar tip to a stressed waitress.  I’ve begun walking around our church building at all times of the day and night praying out loud with a passion and a purpose.  I’ve stood up in a service when those around me stayed sitting, so completely moved by a song of worship that I couldn’t stay seated any longer.   And just last night, while at a worship service, I felt God calling me to take off my shoes because I was standing on holy ground – so I did!

Why have I wasted so much TIME, so much ADVENTURE, and so much LIVING, debating whether my promptings are really from God or not?  Seriously, would my sinful self tell me to give up fifty dollars of my hard earned cash to a complete stranger?  Would my natural desire be to embarrass myself and do something that no one else is doing?

 

That would be a big NO.  So why do I question and wonder if it’s really God calling me? 

If I want to face the truth it’s not really because I wonder if these promptings are from God or myself, it’s really about whether I want to obey or not.

I have allowed doubt and fear to keep me from living an all-out reckless abandoned life for God. BUT I refuse to live that way anymore!  I'm done with safe, boring, predictable.  I want more!

I’m listening with heart wide-open, waiting expectantly, responding immediately.  The next adventure is just around the corner and I can’t wait!

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other.  Act on what you hear! 

                                                                                           (James 1.22 MSG)