TO OBEY WITHOUT QUESTION
“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,” Galatians 1:15-16 NKJV
A heart that obeys God without question is a posture that is cultivated through discipline and intimacy.
In our theme scripture, Paul highlights something that can easily be missed “I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood“. To confer is to consult, to bestow the honor to another to offer their opinion before you make a particular decision or move.
While this is usually the most humanly thing to do, and can sometimes come of as best thing to do, it is a major hindrance when it comes to the things of God that you hear in fellowship with Him. For a man like Paul, who had been persecuting the church, I am almost persuaded his previous circle of influence would have talked him out of obedience.
Given the facts, they would have been logically correct. The same with Abraham, when God tested him with the request to sacrifice his only son, but Genesis 22:3 tells us “he rose early and departed”.
Child of God, be careful not to confer with your friends, family, or even your own thoughts, insights, or understanding when the times call for singular obedience to God. There are deep impressions in your spirit that recur, that press on you, that almost feel grievous when ignored; these are signals that mark where you may be delayed in obedience.
Be mindful of these. Be attentive to His voice. Train your spirit, soul, and body to respond promptly and rightly.
Prayer: My Father, thank you for this truth. I lean not on my understanding for matters of urgency in the spirit. I have an unction from on high that permits me to know and discern all things by your grace. May it never be said of me that I conferred with flesh and blood where singular obedience was needed of me, in Jesus name. Amen!
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• 1 Samuel 15:22
• Proverbs 3:5–6
• Acts 5:29
