"As You Go.."

 

The Bible tells a popularly preached story about 10 lepers that approached Jesus at a distance, seeking to be healed.  Typically when we hear the story we think about the fact that  in their encounter with Jesus, He told them to go and show themselves to the priest.  Scripture says they obeyed and "as they went" they were healed of their leprosy.  We often focus on the next part that says that nine of them left rejoicing and continued to follow the instructions, but only one of them came back to tell Jesus thank you.  This is a great message to us to always consider God in the midst of His blessings, always give Him glory when He does what He says,  and always, always say "Thank You".   I want in this blog to pull another lesson. 

WHERE ARE THE OTHER NINE?

When talking to Jesus, the leper who came back was asked "Where are the other nine?"  We can't take away from the fact that giving God glory is important, but the other lesson happens much earlier than that one; it happens when Jesus said "Go, show yourselves to the priest".  Scripture tells us that  "As they went, they were cleansed." 

QUESTION: "What things has God told you to do that you are waiting for sign before you do it?"  There are things God has said that connects to our purpose, to a whole relationship,  it connects to our children being well, our mental or financial health and more... but we are sitting and waiting to see evidence that it is so before we go.  

I understand that it is normal to want to see stuff before we "go",  that way we're not embarrassed by all the people who see us going- but don't see the end results.   Kind of like Noah building an ark.  "Why are you building an ark Noah?" ...  "Because God said to."  ... "We don't see any rain though!  By the way... what is rain again?"  When it comes to the purpose that  God has for your life and the things He tells you to do, don't sit and wait until everything is lined up and perfect before you "GO".  The Bible says that "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen."  We are not moved by what we see, we are moved by what God says.

KEEP GOING!

I want to encourage you today, if you you are going, keep going!  Keep obeying God and trusting that what He has promised, is is able and going to perform.  If you are one who has been reluctant to go because things don't look conducive to the promise... If you want to see what God has said happen, you gotta "GO!"  I encourage you not to wait for something to happen that proves you're going to see progress, that you will get that promotion, healing, or deliverance in your family; some things you'll see "as you go". 

  

This year his already started off pretty rocky for many of us.  Aside from world wide health scares, there have been family losses, property loss and more already!  Things around us can discourage us and excitement about a new year can wear off quickly, but don't let it!  Keep moving forward, keep the faith and keep going.  God is still faithful and He will perform the promise He made to you.  Just remember, when He does... don't forget to come back, say "Thank You",   and give Him praise!