“…Once your obedience is complete” (2 Cor. 10:6, NIV)
There is a safety that comes when we get to the stage described in this verse: complete obedience.
It would be dangerous for God to entrust us with certain critical assignments before that. The outcome would be too uncertain. If He partnered with an unstable collaborator on a crucial assignment, the mission might abort and be destroyed. Too much is at stake. So he has to hold back meanwhile, testing us with smaller, less decisive assignments.
He is extremely patient with us as we grow through each level of partial obedience. He allows us to move through the stages of development at a pace appropriate to our individual journeys. He would not damage us by assigning us to a role that we hadn’t yet grown into.
However, that all changes once He has matured us to the place where He can say of us:
“…He will do everything I want him to do” (Acts 13:22, NIV).
After that point, He knows He can rely on us to follow the exact instructions necessary for delicate assignments. He knows He can fully trust us.
How badly do we want to get to that point? If we long to be wholly yielded to the will of God, we must count the cost. Look at the price tag attached to such a mighty privilege:
The C.S. Lewis quote that most amuses me is simply this: “Pain hurts.” Though suffering causes us to ache, sometimes to the marrow of our bones, God will bring about beauty through it… if we allow Him to… if we arm ourselves with the same attitude as Jesus did when He suffered. Do we long to spend the rest of our time on earth concerned about the will of God?
How much do we want to be men and women after God’s own heart?
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Suffering does indeed hurt, often beyond what we could even begin to describe. What are some ways that you have learned to find strength in the midst of the more difficult seasons that life brings? How do we become better instead of bitter?
Feeding On Jesus 
Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I often teach/preach on the complete trustworthiness of our God but until today I do not think I have considered the reverse: Does He view me as trustworthy! Holy Spirit is telling me that I have been given some new preaching material!
Blessings to you my Sister in Christ
Chuck
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You probably don’t have to guess, that yep, I am smiling joyfully. I am so glad! His richest blessings to you as well, Chuck!
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And yet it’s a good thing we don’t have to be perfect in order for God to use us, or we’d be waiting a long time!
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We’d be waiting till the end of our lives! I am SO glad He takes us as we are! Thank you for sharing that vitally important thought, Debi Sue ❤
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I have heard from many mothers that PAIN DOES HURT ! BUT the results are well worth it. As I look back on 71 years of living life, I now realize that much if not most of my pain was brought on by rebellion, bad habits and the underlying sin that brought this about. The suffering was well deserved often led to seeking help , denial, a continued bad attitude. When reaching what I believed to be the end of my rope [in 1977] -a possible lifetime in jail, I was shattered and felt hopelessly in despair. Not knowing God was with me all this time and orchestrating an escape from all this temptation and darkness, I called out to the Lord to take my life or do a miracle. A stranger came into my life, I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior and nothing since has been the same. I continue to strain and struggle with pain and hurt but the truth be known, I rejoice in those moments, knowing Jesus is with me forever. Amen . Len
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Reading your testimony, my spirit gives Him glory for His amazing goodness to you, Len! I am praising Him with you! His mercy endures forever!
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amen and amen and amen!! love, love this post; pain does hurt, but our God does bring joy and peace and strength with each trial, if we will just look
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Aw thank you so much, Brenda! Yes! He is forever Faithful and True to give us that strength, joy, and peace!
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I like that quote, “pain hurts”. I’m glad the Lord knows exactly what we are ready to handle. He takes time to teach us and equip us for the tasks ahead. Thanks I enjoyed this! ❤️
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Aw, I’m so glad! You are welcome my sis! ❤
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Such a positive and happy post. Loved reading through it
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Thank you so much, dear! ❤ God bless you richly 🙂
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This is powerful. I feel like I take steps forward and backward in completely submitting to the will of God. I still hold on to my own pride and thoughts that I could somehow know better. God guides us with his love and grace, so the more I release my own illusion of control, and work hard to align ny desires with His, the better my life will be. There will still be pain, almost unbearable at times, but if I trust God I will get through it and learn what He is encouraging me too.
Peace to you and your loved ones, Jennifer. ♥
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And His peace be yours in abundance too, my friend! I know He is SO proud of you as you continue seeking after Him with so much desire for Him!
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