Willing

Have you ever known that God was going to ask you to do something that you do not want to do?  You just have a feeling the task coming up does not interest you at all.  Why do you have this inkling?  Why the warning in the spirit that you are going to be called on for this particular task?  Who might you have to get into the boat with that you really aren't feeling the most compassion for?  Our biggest reasoning for not getting into the boat with someone is that "Not all people are compatible or not every one's personalities jive".  But sometimes, God requires more from us than our self proclaimed limits.  I believe the inkling or the warning in the spirit is so that we can get our hearts and minds prepared for the journey.  We have to be willing.

Willing…is it more than just saying OK, I'll do it?  OH YES!!  It is sometimes easy to say yes when we know good and well that we are not going to get the task done.  But we say yes not to lose face or just to get someone to hush up.  But God wants more than that.  He wants us so willing that we are ALL IN!!!  Not just our actions, but our hearts, minds, emotions, time, thoughts, prayers.  If He is wanting us to get into the boat with someone, it is not going to be a short journey (most likely).  It will require being available and love and patience, self control, goodness, meekness, joy, kindness, peace. You may have to speak PEACE BE STILL on more than one occasion during the journey to the other side.  Storms may rise up and if you are not willing to be in the boat with this person, you will have the instinct to jump ship and leave them to fend for themselves.

If you find yourself unwilling but wanting so much to do what the LORD has put on your heart then read this scripture and remember that God knows our heart and He gives us room to make the right decision.  Our internal conflicts do not surprise Him even if they do surprise us.

 Matthew 21:28-31 KJV "A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.  He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.  And he came to the second, and said likewise.  And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.  Whether of them twain did the will of his father?"  

We have to be the one who goes beyond our words.  If at first we resist, Repent and then go and do what the LORD has spoken.  There are so many times in the scripture of people who didn't want to get into the boat with someone else.  Jonah, he chose a completely different boat.  But the LORD sent a storm that could not be stilled until Jonah came to a place beyond his own wants and desires.  Jonah repented and a whole nation was saved. THE POWER OF ONE!!!

These words today are things that God has been stirring inside me.  Yes, I believe He is preparing me for a boat that may make me uncomfortable.  So I must prepare.  I hope this has helped someone today.