Where will you go?

On the morning of your waking to the desire to love God more than self, you have taken the first step in following God. What comes over you is a thirst to know God, to know His character, to love and forgive and show mercy as He does. Nothing instantaneous has happened that answers the questions surrounding this realization. All you know is your desire has changed its focus from self to God. You will want to ask

how,

and there are many

how’s

on the way to understanding. Perfection is not the beginning point. Failure will teach you. But in failure, you will turn toward God for guidance. He is there with you, waiting for you to turn your gaze toward Him. Through your imperfection and turning, through your marveling at God’s creation in you, the next realization has come. You are relying on God. You are on your way. Dwelling with God becomes your first desire from which flows the heart of God. He will teach you, render His assurance when you fail. His strength will manifest in your weakness. But you will seek Him first in all things, even small things, which are all things. On this walk, the question may arise, “God, what would you have me do?” If clarity comes, the answer belongs to you. If not, patience must be learned. Learning to live in God’s time examines the impatient mind. Careful is the soul who does not create the answer. When the answer comes, is clear, is not from self-directed desire within, but from a place of entering God’s plan, go where God calls. Do what He says. Following God can be a hard task, often requiring what we wish not to give. Comfort habits such an allure. At every turn this habit will tug against God’s answer. But let clarity win the day. The way forward may not be as clear as the answer, but go is the imperative. Christians do not worship an idea, we worship God. Jesus encountered many people in His ministry who gave in to earthly desires. In every encounter, he pointed them toward God. He knows our nature, our desires gone wrong. When we desire God more than self, pointing those we meet toward God, encouraging their soul, is every Christian’s mission no matter its expression, be it small or grand. Maxie Dunnam wrote, “Most people prefer the hell of a predictable situation rather than risk the joy of an unpredictable one.” Following God is the joy of the unpredictable. Christ’s body is varied and vast. Participating makes use of the gift He gave to you, not your talent. Giving it back to God brings no notoriety. Nay, you will not wish to seek it because you desire God more than self, you desire to be obedient to His call for your life, not to some set of rules, but His commandments, His character, His telling you to go and do likewise. God, what would you have me do? Embedded in every answer is the imperative—go. To delay has eternal consequences.