The Bible is full of commands. Not suggestions, not things to consider, not when you feel up to it cupcake, but…. commands.
According to “Google”, there are 1,050 “commands” in the New Testament, falling under 800 different headings, covering every aspect of a man’s life, in relationship to God and his fellow man, both in this life and hereafter. That’s a lot.
I seriously had no idea that many “commands” existed but for the sake of simplicity, let’s stick to one, Noah, the fella that was commanded to build the ark….
God didn’t “suggest” to Noah that he build a great ark to save himself, his family, and every animal specifies on earth from death by drowning…. God “commanded” him.
The only thing Noah did, which is all any of us can do, is say “ok”, then get busy doing the “thing”…. whatever the “thing” is, however crazy the “thing” may sound, and however long the “thing” may take. That’s Faith.
It is estimated that the building of the ark took about 100 years, which means not only did Noah “Believe” God, then “Decide” to follow God’s commands…. Noah “Persisted” in following God’s command…. for 100 years.
On another note, can you imagine the ridicule Noah must have taken, for ten decades, building the biggest boat that had ever been built, to survive a flood that had never happened, because he was “commanded” to do so…. by an unseen God?! Talk about a nut job.
Yet there Noah was, walking it out, day after day after day, Believing, Deciding, Persisting…. in following the command God gave him.
Fast forward about 4500 years in God’s great story….
I can’t say that God has “commanded” me to write but, I can say with 100% conviction that he strongly suggested I do, just as he strongly suggested that I share my Faith.
I have done both, and today I use writing as a tool to share my Faith. God works remarkably in both the writing and the sharing but then again, why wouldn’t He…. when He told me to do both.
Here’s the thing….
If God can work so well when we follow a “suggestion”, as evidenced by His work in my life, and through my God inspired yet elementary writing, then how much more could He work and do in our lives…. when we follow his “commands” that are clearly spelled out in the Bible?!
Joshua 1:9 states – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
The enemy can only make suggestions because the enemy is not in charge. God is in charge, and His commandments are not suggestions.
Get In The Boat. Do Your Part.
Do your God given “It”…. From Nose To Toes!
Shane / #16