Do you hear the Lord in the daily decisions of your life?
I do. I don't literally hear his voice, but I can feel the Spirit leading me in the direction I should go and convicting me when I decide not to follow.
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When I decide to do everything but what's on my to-do list for that day.
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When I decide to say something that I know I shouldn't.
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When I decide to hold on to anger and hurt.
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When I decide to act without going before Him in prayer.
Those really are decisions I have control over. I used to hate hearing people tell me that, because I could always find a great excuse for why I didn't do what I knew I should. My intentions were good, so I would justify my actions with....."Something came up.....It just needed to be said.....They hurt me first.....I had to act fast and just didn't have time."
Throughout each day, we make hundreds of decisions. Some, like the ones I've listed above, may seem small, but nothing is small in God's plans for us. He has a path laid out for each of us that leads to great things! So when we can feel him leading, we should DECIDE TO FOLLOW.
“Direction, not intention, determines your destination.”— Andy Stanley
Our "Following God" themed box really goes hand-in-hand with the "Trust" box. When you truly trust God, you are ready to follow where He leads. The inspiration behind this box can be found in Isaiah chapter 6.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” — Isaiah 6:8-9
When you're at work, in class, at Church and someone asks for volunteers, are you the first to raise your hand? When Isaiah hears the Lord ask "Whom shall I send," he immediately responds "Send me!" I strive to be more like Isaiah, but I know I don't always immediately respond "Yes" even when I know what the Lord wants me to do. But I can testify that when I do, He has never lead me wrong and has blessed me (and many others) more than I could have imagined.
loved+blessed is one of the blessings that I received from deciding to follow God's lead immediately and without question. After my husband and I went through many years of trying to conceive, I was really questioning what God wanted to do with my life. In a time of prayer and fasting, I received clarity that my spiritual gift is encouragement (or exhortation found in Romans 12:8) and the words "create a box of encouragement" popped into my head. I know it sounds unbelievable, but that's that's really what happened.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6
Immediately ideas started to flow into my head and over dinner that week, I told my husband how joyful I was feeling because although I do still want to be a mother, God opened a new door for me to follow Him through. He gave me a new dream at a time when I didn't know which way to turn. And instead of questioning how I was going to make it happen with all the other obligations I juggle or asking Him to bless us with a child first, I decided to submit to God's Will for me, truly trust and follow Him. I don't know if I'll ever be a mother, but I do know that once I submitted my will to His, I have continued to be rewarded beyond measure.
Following God takes submission. It means letting go of our will so that His Will can have its way. The Lord rewards those who trust in Him and seek to do His Will. My prayer is that all of us will get better at making the right decisions on the small stuff, so that we have the courage to immediately say "Send Me Lord" when He asks us to do big stuff.
Want to develop a "Send Me" spirit and follow God more?
Pull out your Bible and reflect on these passages.
Isaiah, Chapter 6: Isaiah agreed to follow God's instruction immediately, without questioning what it was God wanted him to do.
Joshua, Chapter 14: Caleb was blessed and rewarded because he followed God wholeheartedly.
Additional Scriptures for Reflection:
Hebrews 11:6
Psalm 37:4-6
James 4:13-15
John 10:27-29
Psalm 119:105
Psalm 119:133
Jeremiah 1:4-8
Jeremiah 29:11
Jamila is the founder of loved+blessed. On her personal mission to leave a legacy of encouragement, she blogs about her own life lessons with the hope that it will bring joy into others’ lives and help them find the courage to keep walking in faith knowing that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord. Read her testimony of how God turned her misery into ministry.
Comments
Praise God! Rebecca I’ve received a few messages today from other ladies who just got their box and have said this is an area they have been struggling with. I’m still amazed every month at how He leads me to themes that seem to be just on time for so many. May God continue to bless you too!
Thank you for your obedience to the Lord! This is exactly what God has been dealing with me about. When I received my box today it was such a blessing. I am beyond grateful for your guidance, and the love you put into what you do. God bless!
Amen Precious! Lean on the Word and allow it to strengthen you.
Jamila, I am definitely in a season where God is leading me towards some change…it’s scary and much easier to stay where I am comfortable. ( even though that comfortable place could be the source of a lot of stress) However God is showing me over and over that I have outgrown this place, and that there is no room for it in what God has planned for my future. In fact I could be blocking some blessings. I appreciate the verses and your personal testimony. It is amazing to witness the ministry God is bringing out of you and your life story. Every box is a beautiful reminder of just how much I need Jesus. One verse that comes to mind is Jeremiah 17:7-8, it also talks about trusting God. It’s one of my favorites that I’m leaning on pretty hard right now.
Thank you for your beautiful words Jamila! Very encouraging to hear how much you were filled with joy instead of fear and doubt. Your complete submission is truly a blessing to me. Thank you for being so transparent. I’m going to reflect on those passages. I’m inspired by this post.
Heather I am so sorry to hear about you getting scary health news, but I am always in wonder at how God delivers these boxes just when you might need a pick-me-up. I’m just thankful that He’s using me. I’ll be praying for your health and that He’ll continue to remind you that He is right with you through any trials that may come.
Wow Ashley! I am so honored that you value our little pink box enough to budget around it. Thank you so much. I’m going to send you an email so we can e-chat more about your business. There are so many seniors that need this that you could be a huge blessing and encouragement to. And I will definitely be keeping you and your husband in prayer for a healthy conception. Miscarriages are heartbreaking and can take a long time to emotionally heal from, but God is faithful and I know so many couples who miscarried but later had a healthy happy child, so don’t give up hope. Emailing you now! :)
You really do have the gift, and there have been several that have come right when I needed them, this one included. I had received some scary health news that day, and although this particular one didn’t exactly match the theme and my circumstances, it was still God telling me He is right here with me and hasn’t forgotten me. Thank you for all you do with these boxes!! It truly means more than I can say!!
Jamila,
I am so thankful for your encouragement boxes. They are always on time and always seem to give me reassurance of what God is working on in my life. I also have the gift of encouragement. Following God calling me to become a stay at home mom and now following Gods leading by starting my own senior transportation business, has been the biggest leap of faith year to date. We also hope to conceive one day if that’s His will. We miscarried 3 years ago. Just please pray for me to continue to follow him by getting my business started. I’m scared and want to do everything right and his way. I’m still praying, about the name for my business.etc. So any words of wisdom would be welcomed. My email is ag@1knight.net
Thanks again for being obedient and following his voice. We eliminated a lot of line items out of our budget but I asked if we could keep my monthly subscription with you and I am so thankful we could.
May God richly bless your willingness to listen and go.
Ashley
Isaiah 41:10💐