All those Little Obediences

by: Carole L. Haines

I was praying this morning as I got things together for my husband’s breakfast when the Lord gently nudged me to apologize to him about something. He was still sleeping but I went in and woke him up to say, “I’m sorry!” He said he doesn’t mind me waking him because it shows how much I care about our relationship. He has the power to fall back asleep within seconds, unlike myself, who would pace the floor trying not to forget to apologize later. He spares me the uncomfortable, anxious waiting.

I must go to others more often than I care to admit, I have a bit of a mouth problem, kinda like a runny nose, only it’s a runny mouth (Ha Ha). Yet God showed me something about all these little obediences. It is all these acts of doing what God says, when He says to do it, that lead to ultimate transformation and maturity in my walk with Him, and in relation to others.  

“Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, ²⁴ leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” (Matthew 5:23-24) 

I go to others out of a love for God, not always a love for them. But it still changes my view of them, by valuing them as God does. I’ve received all kinds of responses, from denials that anything was ever wrong (even though their behavior toward me made me feel that this was not true), to embraces and thanks.

But no matter what response I get, I must go when God says go. I must obey the promptings of the Lord in these matters for my own healing and growth. It is up to the other person if they want to receive, deny, or accept it. That is not my responsibility. My call is to obey and I always try to do this. 

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18) 

I have reached out to others but never heard replies. This can be so disappointing, and humbling. But the point is, I have done as much as is possible for me to do and I need to tell you, the peace is Oh so fine. I am free from guilt over these matters. All those little obediences have led me to have such an openness toward God. They truly lead to deep growth and contented joy. Try it, you’ll see what I mean.