Day 54 Obedience

 

2/23/2026

"Obedience is not the essence of a right

relationship with God, but it is the

evidence of it."

Daily Walk

 

Sunday evening I had the privilege of hearing Sister Nechama from the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary in Phoenix, Arizona speak at Jesus Image. When I need to be quiet and sit in the Presence of the Lord, I visit this wonderful online ministry located in Florida. I was delighted to see that Sister Nechama was sharing. She has a simple grace and shares from her heart as a bride of Christ who has dedicated her life to serving Him. She spoke of our relationship with Jesus, how He suffered for us, and how we will be tested, as He was tested. She said "We can't let Jesus distance Himself from us, or we will not be able to stand it." What she was referring to is the troubles that are now facing us and those that will be coming as the day approaches. She said for us not to fear what is coming, just to focus on Jesus. How those words burned in my heart, because these are the same words He spoke to me, "Focus on Me." It doesn't matter what anyone else is saying or doing or not doing or not saying. The only thing that matters is that I focus on Him. 

There are so many times in scripture that David cried out to the Lord in frustration asking Him, "How long, O Lord, before You answer me." Sometimes he doubted whether God was even listening to him. But as he cried out to Him, he would also speak of His faithfulness and his trust. There were many times in the scriptures where weakness overcame the believer. Jesus Himself cried out to God in agony as He hung on that cross crying "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" Prior to this He faced the doubt of His disciples who did not understand His message, although He had spoken to them many times. After Judas left to betray Him, Jesus tried again to prepare them. 

As Sister Nechama looked out upon the sea of young faces in the crowd she noticed that there were older people in the audience, and she made the comment that it was good to see the older believers, as they would be needed as examples as the younger or new believers caught the fresh fire of Holy Spirit. It's interesting that she said that, as I have been feeling insignificant and no longer of use to the Lord, because I'm getting older. I'm considered a senior, and seniors, especially women, are to be watched over and tended to in the church, as if we are no longer capable of providing a service to others. Because of the rules imposed I don't really fit, because unless I'm a card carrying member, I'm just a visitor. But that's not me, and Jesus did say to occupy until He returned. I don't think He meant occupy a seat, but rather, be busy about the Father's business. I'm not sure how old Sister Nechama is, but she certainly isn't taking a seat. She's busy sharing with the younger ones. I pray that God will open up a door of opportunity for me, so I will know where I belong. I really don't want to spend any more time trekking through the wilderness. I know I have much to learn, and I am hungry for it. I ache to do His will in my life. It's what I live for, serving Him.

I was reminded once more of the verse in Zechariah 4:10 "For who has despised the day of small beginnings?" when God is reminding Zerubbabel of the importance of small steps in achieving goals, or at least that is how I interpret it. He was rebuilding the temple that had been put off for too long, so the prophet Zechariah was sent by God to encourage them to finish it. Opposition and delays always seem to come when we are attempting important tasks for the LORD, and the people had returned from seventy years of exile in Babylon. Naturally, there would be naysayers and discouragement. But obedience to the task is the important matter, and Zechariah provided the encouragement that the people needed, because he strengthened them in knowing the blessing in the future.

Perhaps I'm growing weary in the waiting. Sister Nechama reminds me that although I'm older I can still be valuable in sharing my journey with others, being a source of encouragement. Small beginnings? It just seems as if I'm Moses on the back burner of the desert waiting for a burning bush. At least he had sheep to tend. All I have is a feral cat and my son, who doesn't seem to be listening too well. So why am I here? I am writing, but am I accomplishing anything? I guess it really isn't important to know if anyone is listening or not. What is important is that I'm trying to be obedient by writing. I have to leave everything else up to God. I know He'll direct me to the next step. He always finishes what He starts, so I'll do what Jesus said to, "Keep your eyes on Me."