The Dilemma Of Obedience

The Dilemma Of Obedience

“And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.” 1 Samuel 3:15

God never speaks to us in startling ways, but in ways that are easy to misunderstand, and we say, “I wonder if that is God’s voice?” Isaiah said that the Lord spake to him “with a strong hand,” that is, by the pressure of circumstances. Nothing touches our lives but it is God Himself speaking. Do we discern His hand or only mere occurrence?

Get into the habit of saying, “Speak, Lord,” and life will become a romance. Every time circumstances press, say, “Speak, Lord”; make time to listen.

Chastening is more than a means of discipline, it is meant to get me to the place of saying, “Speak, Lord.” Recall the time when God did speak to you.

Have you forgotten what He said? Was it Luke 11:13 (If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” ), or was it 1 Thess. 5:23 (May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.) ? As we listen, our ear gets acute, and, like Jesus, we shall hear God all the time.

Shall I tel my “Eli” what God has shown to me? That is where the dilemma of obedience comes in. We disobey God by becoming amateur providences –

I must shield “Eli,” the best people we know. God did not tell Samuel to tell Eli; he had to decide that for himself. God’s call to you may hurt your “Eli;” but if you try to prevent the suffering in another life, it will prove an obstruction between your soul and God. It is at your own peril that you prevent the cutting off of the right hand or the plucking out of the eye.

Never ask the advice of another about anything God makes you decide before Him. If you ask advice, you wil nearly always side with Satan. “Immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood.”

Culled From My Utmost For His Highest – Oswald Chambers