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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Obedience

Winter Wonder
Courtesy of Flickr: here
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! (Phil 2:5-8)


Service- it's not only why He came, but how He came. Philippians 2 says, taking the very nature of a servant...And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death (vs 7,8). I almost missed my opportunity to follow His example.

I knew was what the Holy Spirit was prompting me to do. The temperature was dropping. There she stood willing to give her time in the cold, ringing that seasonal bell. The least I could do was to offer to buy her coffee or hot chocolate. Easy-peasy, right? Should be, but you see, I don't like to have attention drawn to me, even for doing something good for somebody. I sat in my car mulling over whether I would be obedient.

What if she doesn't like coffee or hot chocolate?


What if she looks at me like I'm crazy?


What if people notice?

Hello, crossroads. I had to decide would I go with what's comfortable or what's obedient. Y'all, I almost drove away. It's sad, but that is my typical response. Praise, God, for being willing to work on this heart. I'm tired of petting my flesh.

In all honesty, it took everything in me to get out of that car. It took making the right decision each step of the way.

Just keep walking don't walk by her.


No.


Just give her the money and keep moving.


No.


Ask her if she like coffee or hot chocolate.


Yes.

I did. I don't say that to illicit your praise. Simply, I need to share with you that obedience, big or small, is a choice- a hard choice in many cases. Jesus obedience was harder than the decisions we have to make on our hardest days.

In this season, when the rush is upon us, remember why He came and how He came- in utter obedience. As I celebrate, Jesus, I want to follow His model of service.

May your day be full of a sweet awareness of His presence!

FaithBarista_Christmas_JamBadge

In His Name,
Jennifer

11 comments:

Rebecca said...

Obedience aside, what a thoughtful thing to do! Last night at church we were discussing the parable of talents and how the master praised the first two servants, not for increasing his money, but he said "well done good and FAITHFUL servant." Isn't it good to know His isn't concerned with our results, but with our faithfulness? Way to be faithful, girl! :)

Charissa Steyn said...

love this post! thanks for sharing this beautiful testimony!!

Jennifer said...

Wow, that's an awesome! I love that He is concerned wiht our faithful not our results. You know, that was on thing I debated about- "Would it really make a difference?", but He wasn't concerned with that. ah good stuff!

Thank you so much, Charissa!

Fields of gold said...

Ugh! I've been there too Jennifer! It's always so sweet to obey, but can be hard to do it. Love this sweet story and praying the next time will be easier.

Looking forward to getting to know you better through She Seeks!!

xoxo, Sam

Jennifer said...

Sam, it can be so diffcult, but the favor I felt after I asked her that simple question and handed her her coffee was confirmation enough for me. I'm excited about you joining the She Seeks team, and I can't wait to get to know you better!

Dolly@ Soul Stops said...

So glad you obeyed although it was a struggle and I'm sure that lady appreciated your kindness... have to agree with Rebecca, about how God delights in our faithfulness. Well done, Jennifer.

Linked up after you at Bonnie's blog.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful moment of grace. I discover His wonder in your obedience in this small, but beautiful act. His heart in you - grace-filled.

Jennifer said...

Thanks, Dolly! It was a struggle. Glad you stopped by the blog- yay for Faith Barista Jam!

Jeri, I love how even the smallest acts of obedience bring glory to His name! *hugs*

Caroline said...

In utter obedience. I love that. And this: "Praise, God, for being willing to work on this heart." Yes, I echo that praise. I am so grateful for His mercies. Great post.

Jennifer said...

Oh Caroline, if He wasn't willing to work on this heart, I'd be a mess. I'm glad you feel the same way! :)

Jennifer said...

Oh Caroline, if He wasn't willing to work on this heart, I'd be a mess. I'm glad you feel the same way! :)