1/4/15: Just Do It

It’s interesting to read the Biblical accounts of some of the people God called to do things and to see how there was no hesitation in them to just do whatever it was God called them to do. For example, there’s Noah. God employed Noah in the huge task of building an ark strong enough to withstand a 40-day rainstorm, sturdy enough to endure a year’s voyage, and large enough to transport his own family, two of every unclean land animal, and seven of every clean animal. (Read the entire account in Genesis 6 – 8.) All we read of Noah’s reaction is, “And Noah did according to all that the LORD commanded him” Genesis 7:5 (NKJ).

Then there are the first four disciples: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John. While walking by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw these guys going about their daily work as fishermen. He said to them, “Follow Me,” and immediately they left everything they were doing – they didn’t even finish that particular task – and followed Jesus. (See Matthew 4:18-22.)

Neither Noah nor the disciples had any way of knowing all that their commitment would bring their way. I can’t imagine that Noah totally envisioned the enormity of the ark-building task (it took him and his sons 100 years to build that boat), nor the discomfort of a year’s journey in smelly, closed, dark, and possibly cramped quarters with dozens of animals to feed and four women hopefully not suffering with PMS. And I’m sure the disciples never dreamt they’d turn the world upside down and gladly die as martyrs (except for one, John) for the cause of Christ. (See Acts 17:4-7.) Once Noah heard from God and once the disciples heard from Jesus, their reaction was clear, quick, and decisive; they simply just did what they were called to do.

What about us? What’s God calling us to do? Perhaps like Noah, we’re being called to a huge, ark-sized task. God wouldn’t call us without equipping us. Just do it. For sure, no matter the size of the task, like with the disciples, He’s calling us to follow Him. And like with the disciples, whatever we are doing that is not a part of His call, must immediately be dropped so the following may begin. We can be assured that whatever the commitment might ask of us, we’ll be able to handle it when we get to it.

Jesus calls for us to follow. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJ). Let’s exchange our work that we have in mind for ourselves, for the work He has in mind for us. No debate; just do it.

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©2015 Sharon Norris Elliott. Feel free to forward this devotion in its entirety, including this copyright line. Leave comments, ask questions, read past devotions, or subscribe to receive these devotions daily in your e-mail at www.sanewriter.wordpress.com. Also, periodically check in at www.LifeThatMatters.net to see what’s going on in the ministry.

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