As parents, the one thing that annoys us when it comes to our kids is the constant calling of names. Either our kids always call out “Daddy!” or “Mommy!” constantly and we get so annoyed that we just snap at them wondering what is so important. Similarly, when we call out our kids so they can do something or to follow instruction(s) but we too have to call them constantly and sometimes nicknames just to get a reaction out of them. How much different are we when it comes to us and how we are with God?

There is no doubt in our minds we are sons and daughters of God because we have the same tendency as our kids. Many a times we are instructed to do things for God, but then we become like Jonah and reason ourselves out of it and think it is not God actually talking to us. Or like Gideon where we always have be asking Him, “are you sure? but why? why me?”

We always want God to use us for a greater good, but we start to question it when it is out of our comfort zone. We also tend to feel like this when we feel unqualified. Yet, this is when God can use us the most. We are best useful when we walk in obedience. But our issue is that we want it done on our time and our terms, but that is not how God works. Paul instructs his disciple Timothy “Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season…” (2 Timothy 4:2 NKJV). So what does this tell us? Just like any player on the bench for any sports team, as they anticipate for their number to be called to go out on the field and prove their worth, we are to be ready AT ALL TIMES (emphasis) so that we can prove our devotion and how serious we are when it comes to our willingness.

So I ask in closing: how much longer will we give God a delayed response? How much longer will we continue to disobey God by delaying our obedience to His word? Remember, delayed obedience is disobedience. God never told us to do this, that, or the other when it is convenient for us or when we feel comfortable. When we read the first 5 chapters of the Book of Isaiah, they are intense with prophetic imagery as to what the Lord is about to do, but then chapter 6 is when Isaiah is in the presence of the Lord and has been given the opportunity to be a messenger of the Lord. He felt unworthy, but the Lord purified him. With Jeremiah, the Lord called upon him and confirmed to him that he was to be a prophet. Jeremiah was noting that he was young and that people would not listen, but the Lord told him to just open his mouth and He will fill his mouth with the words needed to speak to the people.

You may feel like you cannot connect with a certain group or that you are unworthy to do the work of the Lord. But He does not leave any excuse, He will purify you and put the words in your mouth to speak if you would just let Him flow in you and thru you via the Holy Spirit. Lord knows, when our kids are obedient the first time around, life is so much simpler and easier. How are we any different with God?