Listening to God’s Voice: The Struggle with Obedience
In a world filled with noise and distractions, it’s easy to tune out God’s voice. Yet, He is always speaking to us, guiding us, and directing us. Whether through direct communication, visions, dreams, prophetic words, or His living Word, God is constantly reaching out to us.
The Sin of Disobedience
However, our sinful nature often gets in the way, causing us to disobey God’s commands. We may fear what others think, or we may prioritize our own desires above God’s will. This is precisely what happened to Saul, the first king of Israel. Despite receiving direct orders from God, Saul chose to disobey, opting instead to follow his own judgment and the opinions of others (1 Samuel 15:22-24).
The Disease of Saul-itis
I like to call this phenomenon “Saul-itis.” It’s a condition where we sin, apologize, and then continue to disobey God, never truly repenting or turning from our sin. We may mouth the words “I’m sorry,” but our actions reveal a lack of commitment to change. Isaiah 55:9 reminds us that God’s ways are higher than ours, and our sin always tries to justify itself.
The Power of Repentance
So, what’s the cure for Saul-itis? Repentance. It’s the first step towards obedience. We must allow ourselves to be convicted of our disobedience, even if it doesn’t make sense to us. We must truly desire to turn from our sin, regardless of the cost. Being obedient to God’s Word, no matter how we hear Him, is what pleases the Lord.
A Prayer for Obedience
Father, I pray today that I may see the areas of my life where I am not being obedient to Your Word. Lord, let me repent of this today, truly wanting to turn from these sins, and seek only Your face and Your presence. Father, I surrender myself entirely to You. I cannot do this alone, Lord; I need You. Forgive me, Lord, for my sins. Let me draw strength from You to stand on Your solid rock and stand firm against the world. Lord, we ask this today in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
A Question to Ponder
Is there an area of your life where you are not following God’s Word? Take a moment to reflect on your actions and motivations. Are you prioritizing God’s will above your own desires and fears?
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