What Is Being Asked of You?

While we were getting dressed for Easter, I asked Ellie to bring me her sparkle Sunday shoes. Very specific instructions that should have elicited an immediate and obedient reaction.

Within a few minutes I could hear loud clonking coming down the hallway. The heavy clackity steps didn’t sound like the shoes I’d asked for. Instead of her sparkle Sunday shoes, she proudly kicked out her foot to display her white lace boots. “Mommy! THESE are the shoes I want!” I calmly responded, “Yes, but those aren’t the shoes *I* want. Try again.” The second and third shoe trip overturned her silver velcro sneakers and her pink swimming shoes. Although nice enough shoes, they weren’t what I’d asked of her.

Ellie knew the instructions but instead of bringing me what’ I'd asked for, she expected me to be satisfied that she brought anything at all. In the end, her effort and time was wasted and she still had to go back and choose obedience.

We all know when God is asking something specific of us. He is clear in His Word and he is clear when he calls us to action through the power of the Holy Spirit. Often, we are willing to give Him everything but what He’s asking from us. When God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac, Abraham didn’t say, “You know what God, how about this lamb instead.” The bible says “Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey.” He obeyed immediately. To make the story short, God tested him, he passed, and he received the life of his son along with the promises he knew God had in store.

God’s never asked me to sacrifice my child, but He’s asked a lot of things and I’ll be the first to admit I’ve given “Ellie obedience,” everything but. Let’s practice together giving what God asks of us, knowing that His promises are true and He always comes through.

Exodus 19:5 “If you will listen obediently to what I say and keep my covenant, out of all peoples you’ll be my special treasure. The whole Earth is mine to choose from, but you’re special--”