9.26.10 "Just Do It"

"Just Do It"

Isaiah 48:1-50:11
Ephesians 4:17-32
Psalm 69:1-14
Proverbs 24:5

Do you ever feel like giving up? Do you ever feel like what you're doing isn't making a difference?

Isaiah is relating a conversation he had with the Lord in the beginning of chapter 49. It's something we can relate to. In verse 1 he says, "The Lord called me before my birth. From within the womb he called me by my name." That's true for everyone of us. God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. He has a path laid out for us that is for the point of completing His mission.

What God says to Isaiah in verse 3 is what he is saying to each one of us. "You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory." That's why we're here. To bring him glory. It's a great thing that we can rely on the power of His Spirit.

In verse 4 we hear Isaiah say what we can sometimes feel. "But my work for them seems all in vain; I have spent my strength for them without response."

Have you ever been there? Have you ever done what you felt God had told you to do, and yet saw no fruit? You witnessed to someone, but they didn't say the sinner's prayer, or you stepped out in faith, but didn't see the miracle?

Is that failure?

There are many times we judge our success by results. There are some things that work that way. A successful business makes money, for example. But is that the way it is in the kingdom of God?

What's really important to God is the obedience of his people. When we are obedient, we bring him glory. In God's rule book, the question of success is: "Did you do everything I commanded you to do?" It's a "yes" or "no" question of success. "Well, kind of..." just wont cut it.

There's something in our human nature that "tricks" us into thinking that it's our own effort that brings results for the kingdom. But it's not us. God brings the increase. It's not by our strength.

Don't take this the wrong way. This doesn't mean we relax. We have to understand that it is our responsibility to obey with intensity. Isaiah 50:7 says, "Because the Lord God helps me, I will not be dismayed; therefore, I have set my face like flint to do his will..." That's how we need to be, regardless of the results. We need to be committed and disciplined to do what the Lord commands.

Todays reading in Psalm 69:9 says, "My zeal for God and his work burns hot within me." There should be a passion that stirs up within us to follow God's direction. Passion doesn't just "happen". It is stirred up. This is a fire that is maintained and stoked and refreshed through the Word and through the power of the Spirit.

The recognition of God's voice comes through consistent discipline of getting into the Word and seeking his face. This isn't necessarily going to be easy, and the results can be difficult. Isaiah 50:4-6 says, "The Lord has given me his words of wisdom so that I may know what I should say to all these weary ones. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. The Lord God has spoken to me and I have listened; I do not rebel nor turn away. I give my back to the whip, and my cheeks to those who pull out my beard. I do not hide from shame - they spit in my face."

Going through all of that, Isaiah could easily feel like a failure. Whatever your situation is, you may at some level feel like a failure. You need to ask yourself the question: "Am I obedient?" What's the answer? If you can say yes, you are not a failure. It is not in vain. If you have to answer, "no", don't waste time in regret. All you need to to do is return to the point of direction that God has given you and walk in obedience.

This is all about living the DREAM. Obedience is the fruit of the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. Submission to the needs of those God has called you to serve is Relationships Devoted to Unity. Being Disciplined in seeking the will of God is being Empowered through Biblical Training. Being Responsible to set ourselves to the task God has laid out is our Active Ministry Involvement. And as always, this is all for our Purpose: Mission to Reach our World for Christ.

Whatever God is leading you to do, do it. As you step in obedience, you will hear his next command. And then the next. Don't worry about what's ahead. Know that he's in control.

Have an Obedient day!




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ