A COUPLE moved into a new neighbourhood where no one knew them. Every day they went out early and returned home late.
And in their absence, neighbours heard the cries of a baby coming from their home. So, they called the police.
While at the door, they could hear a baby's cries, but their knocks yielded no response.
So they broke down the door, and what they saw surprised them.
The police found a parrot in the house—and the bird made those sounds.
In life, not everything is as it seems.
REALITY is not neat, not obvious, not what you expect - C. S. Lewis.
Paul was on his way to arrest believers when Jesus appeared to him. It wasn't what he expected. He fell to the ground. When he got up, he was blind.
And God said to Ananias, "Go! I've chosen this man to bring my name to nations, kings, and Israel's people. I'll show him how much he has to suffer for my name." (Acts 9:15)
Sometimes, pain can be the door to comfort—and death can be the door to life.
To live for Christ, you have to die to sin.
WHEN MOSES saw the burning bush, he knew there was more to the sight. So he stopped to look, and God called out to him. (Exod. 3:2-3)
God's reality is beyond the obvious.
GOD was displeased with Saul, and he sent Samuel to anoint a new king.
When the prophet got to Jesse's house, he saw his first son and liked his physique. But God wasn't impressed with his heart.
"Don't look at his appearance or how tall he is because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see. Humans look at outward appearances, but the Lord looks into the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7)
God took the prophet into the reality of things.
Pain can be the door to comfort—and death can be the door to life
THERE are two types of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done, and those to whom God says, "Then, have it your way" – C.S. Lewis.
Samuel belonged to the first group—he wanted God to have his way. Do you belong to the first group, too?
He understood that he was under authority. So he complied with God's directive.
Obedience in Christ stimulates growth. Anything that grows not toward God is growing toward decay - George MacDonald.
The moment God helped Samuel focus, he knew God had a plan. So, it became easy for him to understand God's perspective.
God's viewpoint is beyond the obvious—it is the mind of God.
THE PROPHET went through the seven sons of Jesse, and God rejected them. However, Samuel did not stop there. "Are these all the sons you have?"
"There's still the youngest one," Jesse answered. "He's tending the sheep."
"Send someone to get him. We won't continue until he gets here."
When they brought the youngest son from the field, God said to the prophet, "Go ahead, anoint him. He is the one." (1 Sam. 16:11-12)
Samuel took the flask of olive oil and anointed him. He understood that to walk out of God's will is to walk into a dead-end.
How far are you willing to go with God?
HE WALKED with God and never jumped ahead. Instead, he took one step at a time; that's called obedience.
Obedience to God is the accurate representation of a believer.
IN YOUR WALK with God, never assume that the way he did something yesterday, he will do it the exact same way today. All God wants you to do is follow his lead.
Bringing it Together
OBEDIENCE to God takes you beyond the obvious. It gives you a clearer view of life.
YOU MUST understand that tomorrow matters—and the days behind you determine the days ahead. So trust God.
There would be no need in saying you trusted Jesus if you would not take his advice - C.S. Lewis.