|Obedience Protects|
I tell this to my kids all the time- Obedience Protects.
I remember pulling into the driveway a few years ago, coming home from work one day, and the kids were very little. We live off of a very busy street with zooming cars that fly back & forth, so I always would tell them to wait for my car to
completely pull in before their excited bodies came to greet me. One day in particular, I remember starting to pull into the same driveway and little Eli came running full speed to greet me, but what he didn’t realize was that he was about to run in the middle of the street. In my rearview mirror, I could see two cars following me quickly & closely behind. I very fearfully and I ferociously called out to him, “ELI STOP!!!”
In a second, everything could have changed. I don’t want to even THINK about what could have happened to my sweet boy if he chose not to obey his mama’s voice in that moment. Thankfully, not even knowing really why, he listened & stopped.
Obedience Protects.
Being obedient isn’t about legalism, harsh rules, or being mean. Obedience is God’s eyes, is about the heart. I don’t expect my kids to be obedient because I want the upper hand. I expect them to be obedient because I love them, I want to protect them, and because of this great love for my children, I have their very best interests at heart. God’s heart for us is the same. . .
God simply told Joshua to have the people to march silently around Jericho for six days, and then, after seven circles, on the seventh day, to shout. What? That’s a kinda strange way to fight a battle ...🤔
Though it seemed silly and maybe ridiculous , Joshua followed God’s instructions anyway, he listened. When the people did finally shout, the massive walls collapsed instantly, and Israel won an easy victory. In fact, God had given the city of Jericho to them before they even began to march around its walls. It was when the people of God, by faith, followed the commands of God that the walls of Jericho fell down.
One of the most important things I am learning right now is that obedience Protects. Even when God’s commands seem foolish, He brings victory. When we are faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, and we can only see what’s right in front of us, we must learn that our Jericho victories are won only when we are faithful in obedience to Him. He sees the bigger picture . . .
Just as loving parents want to protect their children, God’s heart for His children are is the same. He always, always, always, has our best interests at heart, even when the way is tough and makes zero sense.
💙Joshua 6
Blessings,
Brittany