You Want Me to Do What?

You Want Me to Do What? Have you ever said those words to God? You’re cruising along your life journey and God says, “I want you to do _________.” We don’t understand the why of the request. The request doesn’t fit in with our goals and long-range plans. The task assigned seems beneath us. Often obedience to God can be difficult. In my Bible reading yesterday, I was amused by a story I had overlooked before. Joshua 5:2-3 says: At that time the Lord told Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise this second generation of Israelites.” So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the entire male population of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. After I read this passage I sent my pastor a note that said, “And you think YOUR job stinks!” We both had a good laugh about this passage, probably because all men are still 12 year olds at heart! But after thinking more on the passage, I realized this passage has more significance. I’m sure that even in Joshua’s time, the prospect of circumcising hundreds of thousands of guys was NOT high on his “Things I want to do as the leader” list! Just how many guys were there? Honestly, I don’t know, but it was ever male born during the forty year wondering of the Israelites. The number had to be HUGE! Interestingly, we don’t find Joshua trying to get out of this responsibility. He doesn’t delegate it to others. He made the flint-knives and circumcised every male. He obeyed. God said do it and Joshua did it. What a concept. I can’t help but wonder how many of us would have had the same response. How many times has God called us to do MUCH LESS than this and we’ve balked at obeying? Leaders, how many of you have been asked to do a less-than-glorious task and you find ways to get out of it? Obedience to God is quickly becoming a lost art. Many times obedience to God comes with a price. Stepping outside our comfort zone. Performing tasks that don’t seem significant. Surrendering our plans and dreams for His desires. What about you? What is God asking you to do that you are in the midst of debating God over? What is it that you need to say “Yes” to in your life? What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22