Blessings Follow Obedience

I am a bit hesitant to write this post today. I don’t know. Maybe it’ll border on what we refer to as TMI; too much information. Maybe you’ll think I’m nuts. If you’ve been reading my blog the past few months you know I’ve been dealing with some health issues. A word of warning: never go to the doctor and mention that you’re “tired.” It can lead you down a rabbit trail of tests you simply would rather live without. That’s how this all got started.

Anyway, it turns out I’m fairly healthy and I’m grateful for that. I’ll spare you long explanations and details but suffice it to say, I’m on the road to recovery.

John and I are leaving today for a mission trip to Tallinn, Estonia. Last week when I mentioned our trip to a friend (and my concern about my ability to cope with the walking and the travel) she said, “Why would you sign up for a mission trip when you weren’t feeling well?” There are two reasons, really. First off, I thought I’d be well by now. But more importantly, I know the Lord put a call on my life to go. So really, it’s a matter of obedience.

Darin Poli, one of the pastors going with us to Estonia, often says, “Blessings follow obedience.” God is faithful. If he calls you to do something, he will give you the grace to follow through. Every. Single. Time. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” So, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will make it. It’s possible my time in Estonia will look different than the rest of the team’s. I hope not, but if it does, that’s okay. God has a purpose and a plan for each and every team member.

What if I said to God, “I realize that you called me to this but I just don’t think I can do it.” Would he say back to me, “You’re right Nancy. I was just kidding when I told you to go to Estonia. What was I thinking?” Doubtful. Instead I believe he is saying, “Trust me. There is infinitely more in Estonia than you might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20) “Go, Nancy. I’ve got your back.”

So, I’m excited! I can’t wait to see all the ways God plans to use me in Estonia. I’m anxious to encourage the missionaries there and let the light of Jesus shine through me to the people I meet. And who knows what blessings are in store? I’d hate to miss out on anything that God has for me because I was too afraid to go.

At our church we have a saying, “The Best is Yet to Come.” I believe God has great things in store. He never fails!

Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to follow God’s call? Why not take the leap of obedience today? Even if it’s hard, it’ll be worth it. Blessings follow obedience.

“Now, if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.” Exodus 19:5