What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?”…(1 Sam 15:14)
The other day I had an impression that I was supposed to reach out to a former teen, but I got busy and went about my day. I was reminded, while reading the account of King Saul’s life that partial obedience is disobedience.
God has placed me somewhere I haven’t always wanted to go. Truthfully, this season of life has not always been pleasant for me. It doesn’t always fit the narrative I had for my life. Sometimes that bothers my ego. It causes me to only partly obey instead of fully obeying my Heavenly Father with joy.
Partial obedience is disobedience.
Friend, wherever God has put you, that’s your garden to grow. Do it with joy. Don’t let your heart become so enamored with your own wishes, wants and desires that you forget to fully obey God in this season by pursuing it with a grateful heart.
I know that’s easier said than done. The truth is, whenever I have partially obeyed God its because I wanted God to obey me and my plans. I wanted Him to do what I wanted Him to do instead of taking me in the journey He chose. Friend, that never turns out well. Whether we actively see it or not our part to play in partial obedience demonstrates how we really feel about God and what we really think of ourselves. If we exalt ourselves, our plans, our desires above our Father’s will we will become disappointed with Him instead of finding ourselves in Him.
So friend, if you struggle with partial obedience like I have, just know, that gnawing inside of you and dissatisfaction with life won’t go away. Its because you can’t be truly content in life when you’re not walking in obedience with the one who loves you. Therefore, be willing to let go and give yourself fully to the one who loves you beyond measure and who waits to pour out more of Himself on you and those whom you love and shepherd.
Lord, forgive me when I doubt what you’re doing. Forgive me when I partially obey. Help me to walk in the freedom that Jesus brings always and to be captured by every part of Him so that I may walk in true obedience and do it with joy, in Jesus name, Amen.
Heather Quiroz 