WILD OBEDIENCE: WHEN GOD SAYS “STAY”

Last Updated on May 20, 2016 by Stacy Averette

When God invites us to Wild Obedience He always has a plan. Sometimes I am sure I know the plan. Oftentimes I’m wrong.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8

I want to slip out of the corner booth, leave the chips and dip and husband and put my arm around her tiny slumped shoulders. A broad shouldered, baby-faced friend sits across from her tears, defenseless. From the speaker over my head I hear trivia questions for which I have no answers. I know this answer. She needs me. This momma knows how to comfort girls with tears. I know what to say.

But He says, “Stay.”

I question His plan.

He says, “Pray. I just want you to stay put and pray. I know what she needs.”

So I stay put and pray and eat chips and wings and talk cartoon trivia with husband.

But I wonder about obedience.

Am I really just too afraid or too embarrassed or too lazy or …?

My tummy is full and I push away the plate. I look her way just in time to see the broad shouldered, baby-faced friend reach over and wipe away her tears with his napkin.

When God invites us to step out in Wild Obedience He always has a plan.

I attend the Declare Conference in Dallas and learn a lot about obedience—specifically, this Wild Obedience of which I speak.

Lisa-Jo Baker speaks Friday night: When Wild Obedience Looks Like Foolishly Following Instead of Successfully Leading. She says:

“Wild Obedience does not equal publicly awesome acts of service. God will use anything to call you to follow Him. Throngs of heavenly hosts bear witness to your secret Wild Obedience.”

I remember trivia night and wings and her tiny, slumped shoulders and tears. I hear Him say again, “Pray. I want you to pray. I’ll give her what she needs.”

My heart is full and I push away the doubt.

When God invites us to Wild Obedience He always has a plan.

Whether Wild Obedience is to step out, speak up or stay put, He has a plan.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8

For the one reading this today—being secretly Wildly Obedient—know that the throng of heavenly hosts bears witness as you follow Him.