Non-Negotiable

My son, James, and I had a pretty interesting conversation last night. As conversations tend to do, like a lazy river twisting this way and that, the topics that we discussed veered here and there until we landed in a spot where we decided to stay for a while.

The topic: is God's Word Negotiable?

Before you throw out the glaringly obvious answer of "NO!" and look at me with that did-she-really-put-that-in-writing-look, you have to know that I agree with you and with that answer.  However,  I do not always live that way.

God has been telling me some things over the last year and a half that I know to be from Him.  The funny thing is that some of the things He has told me are time definite and I truly think that there is type of  blessing from God on the horizon if I do what He says, but rather than act I still chose to regale Him with "good reasons" why I can't follow His direct command to me.  So over the course of this time, I've been dancing the guilt-and-shame-I-can't-hear-You dance.  You know the one.  We've all done it and it's a lot more work and so much harder dancing this jig than walking in obedience is 

Poor God.  I'll bet He rolls His eyes a lot when He looks at me. 

But He is so good and He loves us so much and He doesn't give up on us.  He said to me a couple of weeks ago, "Michelle, if you really think it's my Word, is it negotiable?" 


With one simple question God put all of my cheap excuses in the garbage.  I said very much out loud and from my heart, "No, God, it's not negotiable."  And in the amazing way that only God brings, the immediate freedom from guilt and shame that follow confession and forgiveness overwhelmed me.  My heart was lightened, my burden gone (I guess my dance ticket was gone!)  I have started to do those things that I have known for sometime now that I need to do.  And simple obedience to God's word has already brought about a better life because I am living with in His freedom.  

What about you?  What do you need to do today?  You don't need the devil as a dance partner when you can walk in the light of God.  Whatever God is saying to you, do it.  It'll set you free.