It takes courage to say yes

I can only wonder what the disciples were thinking after they left everything to follow the Lord.

Leaving your family, your business, your friends… difficult choice. Instead of hesitating, these men followed the Lord immediately. What could have been going through their minds?

On the one hand, it must have been an incredible honor to learn directly from the Master. On the other hand, it must have be scary to see how others sought after him to do him harm. One minute you are out in the open and life is good… the next minute you are hiding and having to meet in private to avoid persecution or martyrdom.

I am currently doing a survey, or analysis, on the book of Numbers. In the first chapter, God revealed to me some things that brought my previous life into focus. I saw how God brought order out of chaos. I learned how the various formations laid the groundwork for the way our military units are placed into squads, platoons, companies, battallions, divisions, etc.

It showed that when you are obedient to God, He will order your steps and make you march smartly on the path of righteousness. I envisioned the children of Israel in a similar light as I viewed the Marine Corps silent drill team.

However, the most important parallel I could draw was how the Levites were set apart from the 12 tribes that we commissioned to fight. Now follow me for a second if you will. There were the Levites who served as the spiritual leaders. They were sanctified before God to look after the spiritual health of all of the tribes… the other 12. In the New Testament we have Jesus who was sanctified to be the Holiest of Holies. He too, selected twelve that he made into disciples.

In other words, there were 13 in total in both scenarios. One served as the non-combative spiritual head… the twelve served as the ground troops ready to go into battle at a moments notice.

Now back to how this relates to it taking courage to say yes. The twelve tribes had to come together on one mind and one accord in order to progress. They first aligned themselves with the leader that God had appointed, Moses. They then place complete trust in the fact that God was speaking directly to Moses. This undoubtedly meant that some strong leaders had to swallow some pride, humble themselves, have the courage to cede their authority to one who was placed over them.

The disciples had to do the same thing. The most shocking revelation was that even after Jesus told them the fate that awaited them, they continued to walk with Him even to the point of wanting the privilege of dying for the cause.

I have always thought myself to be pretty brave… however; after reading in Matthew all of the instructions that Christ gave to His disciples, I am not so sure that I would have had what it took to accept this seemingly impossible mission. I see why it is necessary to submit myself daily to the Lord. I understand now how important it is to allow God into my heart and to allow Him to guide my steps.

I am yet a young man in Christ but I am thankful for this revelation from the Lord. I can only use this to become a better warrior and an even more prayerful Soul Winner.

I had to dig real deep to find the courage to say “Yes” to submitting to God ultimate will. It is not something that happens overnight. It is a process that differs for all of us. Nonetheless, don’t let someone else get in the way of you doing what you know is right before God.

You will face ridicule, mockery, persecution… but there is no greater honor than to give all to He who gave it all for you. Think about it… then be about it.

²²But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22, King James Version)

We have been given the wonderful gift of free will. I pray thee, rather I beg thee to make the choice to freely submit to God. I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed in the long term reward… Try it out… you only have your eternity in heaven to lose…