“Since these virtues are already planted deep within, and you possess them in abundant supply, they will keep you from being inactive or fruitless in your pursuit of knowing Jesus Christ more intimately.”
2 Peter 1:8 TPT
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is truly mind blowing to consider what He endured so that we can be entirely His, breaking every limitation that stood in the way. He laid down His life and Kingdom for you and me. I love that we can rejoice because He lives forever! I hope you felt this assurance in your spirit and were overwhelmed with peace, knowing He died, rose again, and promised to return and take us home. Amen.
We are still exploring the topic of Heavenly Virtues, and this week we’ll be diving into a few more. I pray that you come to understand how these apply to every part of our lives. We are not called to practice these things only on certain days or when it’s convenient; this is meant to be our way of living. I noted few things in the opening verse, “Since these virtues are already planted deep within, and you possess them in abundant supply, they will keep you from being inactive or fruitless in your pursuit of knowing Jesus Christ more intimately.” 2 Peter 1:8 TPT.
- These virtues are seeds planted in our spirits by the Holy Spirit. Whether you have already started putting these virtues into practice or not, as long as you are a child of God, they exist as seeds within you right now. God desires that we actively grow in these virtues and put them into practice.
- We possess these virtues in abundance.This means we can apply them to every situation we face. They are not for one time use but are meant for continuous application. You will never exhaust your supply of these Heavenly qualities.
- Growth in these virtues leads to a deeper knowledge of Christ. We become like trees that never stop bearing fruit. We are no longer stagnant; instead, we produce Heavenly fruit in our careers, businesses, relationships, and finances. As we apply these virtues, Christ becomes more visible in us, and our intimacy with Him grows as we rely on Him to lead our walk.
Today, let’s focus on the virtue of obedience.
In Ezekiel 37, we see an example of obedience. When God led Ezekiel into a valley of dry bones and asked if they could live, Ezekiel’s humble response; “Sovereign Lord, you alone know”, Opened the door for divine instruction. God’s command was specific: “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!”Ezekiel 37:4 NIV. This passage shows that God provides clear instructions; He wants us to get it right. At that moment, I believe God needed Ezekiel to ignore the appearance of the dry bones and see life instead. Imagine working on a project with God where all you have to do is follow His lead. When every step you take is inspired by Him. I can tell you that success is guaranteed; regardless of whether it’s been done before.
Discipline is rooted in obedience, Deuteronomy 8:5-6 teaches us this. We should reach a level of maturity where our every move is a response to a higher command. Abraham’s journey is the ultimate illustration of this; he had to depend entirely on God to navigate a process that made no sense to the natural mind. How was it possible that the miracle child; the one Abraham believed God for, was now being demanded back? When Isaac asked where the lamb was, his father simply said that the Lord would provide. In this walk of obedience, a deeper revelation was forming within. That God is faithful and would not lead him into shame. His discipline was simply his obedience in action. When they reached the top of the mountain, prepared the fire and Abraham was just about to slay his son when an angel intervened and told him to stop. This act proved how deeply Abraham feared God; at just one word, he moved in obedience to what he heard. He did not stop to consider what his wife or anyone else might say; all that mattered was what God had said. God provided a ram as a substitute, hallelujah. You may feel as though you are being led into a desolate wilderness, but trust that provision is already waiting. It is your step by step obedience that positions you to see the provision God has already prepared for you.
Last year, I had to step out in faith and serve as the program director at my uncle’s funeral. As uncomfortable as that thought was, I relied entirely on God to lead and comfort me. Little did I know that my willingness to say yes would stir something in people’s hearts. It was in that place of obedience that the children’s book you see today, Jesus+Me, was pressed into my spirit.
God always makes a way for the obedient. Stay alert, because your next instruction might come as a word from someone right next to you. Obedience requires a listening heart that recognises God’s voice, regardless of the vessel He chooses to use.
The difference between any other idea and a God given vision is that the latter is actually God manifesting His will on earth through us. Yes, it will cost us something; perhaps even a lot, but because we are not depending on ourselves, it is possible. You may find yourself working through the night, yet you carry a peace that hides your exhaustion. So, get to it! Be disciplined enough to obey. One day, while you think you’re still just on the journey, you will finally lock eyes with the ram. This ram represents something different for everyone, and it won’t appear by chance. You have to climb that mountain and even light the fire; not because you’re helping God, but because that was the instruction. Beyond that sacrifice is a great blessing. I pray we all reach the other side of the mountain; a place where our obedience yields lasting results.
One of the most incredible results of obedience is that it transforms us into the likeness of God. Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac was a prophetic shadow of what was to come. By being ready to give up his son, Abraham was aligned with the character of God, Who eventually gave His own Son (Jesus) so that we might live.
After fasting for forty days and nights, Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted (Luke 4:1-13). Prayer had prepared Him for that exact moment; even if a door had been labeled Temptation 101, He would have walked through it with confidence. Please note that Jesus wasn’t obeying the devil; He was following the divine order set before Him long ago.
Now, consider Peter, John, and James at the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39-46). Jesus urged them to pray so they would not fall into temptation, but exhaustion got the better of them. Despite their sleepiness, Jesus returned and told them again to pray. This prayer was essential; had they shaken off their slumber and prayed, they would have known exactly how to respond when temptation arrived. Acting in obedience is always for our benefit; even when it feels inconvenient, it is designed for our good and the good of those around us.
Learn to walk in obedience. When faced with rules or expectations, be disciplined enough to follow them; unless they compromise your spiritual boundaries then consult the Word of God, so that you know what to do in those instances. Jesus responded to the devil using the Word because that was His manual. If something was contrary to the Word, He simply would not do it. God will never lead us into places that force us to act against His instructions, so pray! Pray that you walk into rooms that align with God’s will for your life. Pray that the people who enter your journey are destined by God to walk with you, not to test you or lead you astray. Remember, Judas had a unique, singular purpose in history; you do not need that kind of betrayal in your own story.
This leads me to the next virtue the Spirit led me to speak about: Focus.
In Colossians 3:2, we are told: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” I understand that viewing life through a worldly lens can feel comfortable, but we are not of this world. Our focus must remain on the things above; the things that may seem impossible to the natural eye. Faith, however, makes them possible. See, We are called to a life of focus; if the Lord has shown you a vision, your mind must stay fixed on it. No matter how long it takes or what it costs, we need to keep our eyes on the image and the promise He gave us. In a world of changing markets, rising costs, and global conflicts, our focus remains stayed on the Lord. We do not look to outward signs for confirmation, because God’s Word is not reactive. It is active and certain. When He speaks, it is not a suggestion; it is a promise. Because He said it, He will most certainly perform it.
Isaiah 26:3 AMP; “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].” There is a deep peace that comes with being focused. When your eyes are fixed on Him, the chaos of the world cannot alter the divine promises over your life. You aren’t being delusional as the world might suggest; you are simply holding on to the only truth that is real. In an unstable world, you need a firm foundation. Focus on everything God has said; fill your mind and your heart with God things. Do not allow the ticking clock or external pressures to tell you how your story concludes. God is the Author and Finisher; keep your focus on Him.
Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:8; “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Stay focused!!
Let’s pray
Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for the gift of obedience. Lord, we declare that we are obedient to Your Word and faithful in carrying it forth. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, Who makes our obedience possible; we know it is not by might, nor by power, but by Your Spirit. We declare that in every season, we remain focused on what pleases You. Thank You for sanctifying our thoughts so that we continually dwell on things that are pure and pleasing in Your sight. For those who choose this path today, we pray that the Holy Spirit would overwhelm them and empower them with divine ability. In Jesus’ name, Amen.