Consider listening to Him now.

It often seems like a greater step of faith to listen to God, and follow His instruction when life is comfortable. But this isn’t a recent problem. If we consider the following Old Testament example found in Genesis 31, we find similar behaviour in how people choose to listen to God’s call to follow.

• “The angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ I answered, ‘Here I am.’ And he said…I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land.’” (Genesis 31:11-13)
• “Then Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we still have any share in the inheritance of our father’s estate? Does he not regard us as foreigners? Not only has he sold us, but he has used up what was paid for us. Surely all the wealth that God took away from our father belongs to us and our children. So do whatever God has told you.’” (Genesis 31:14-16)
• “Then Jacob put his children and his wives on camels, and he drove all his livestock ahead of him, along with all the goods he had accumulated in Paddan Aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan.” (Genesis 31:17-18)

Perhaps it’s just me, but I find Rachel and Leah’s response to Jacob somewhat peculiar.  Their rationale seems to be “there’s nothing left for us here, so why not follow God?” I can’t help but wonder, what if life was going great for Rachel and Leah?  What if Dad had plenty of money to pass on to them?  Would they have still been so willing to move on?

Obviously, due to that time period, they may have followed their husband anyway. But perhaps, they may have tipped off their father before hitting the road? The verbiage just seems to point to a “no choice; might as well listen and follow” situation. And I question whether that was/is the best motive?

This leads me to reflect on our lives today.

How many times do we neglect God’s calling and leading when we’re safe and comfortable? We can almost act as if He’s not there anymore. Yet, we enthusiastically listen, and accept His instruction in times of trouble or hardship!

This concept reminds me of Donald Miller’s book, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years“.

“…I realized how much of our lives are spent trying to avoid conflict.  Half the commercials on television are selling us something that will make life easier.  Part of me wonders if our stories aren’t being stolen by the easy life.” (Miller, 2009, 186)

It almost seems like it’s a greater step of faith, to listen to God and follow Him when life is stable and comfortable. But that’s not the best option, not for the journey and not for your well-being. We should engage the mission God has called us to, listen to His commands and strive to follow them, because it’s hard.

It hardens our resolve in increasing measures.

Perhaps, you face a big decision today?  Perhaps, God is asking you to take a step of faith?  Perhaps, it’s to leave a comfortable life for a faith-filled journey?  Unlike Rachel and Leah, perhaps you’re in a place of stability and the decision to listen and follow is not so easy?

My challenge is to accept God’s challenge, listen, answer, take that step, and follow!  It may be difficult and it may include some hard work, but it will also include a great adventure.  Go ahead…take that step today!