I have started a weekly routine of walking specific routes within the city where I live, praying and focusing on God and His heart for the city and the people who live here. Occasionally, I will meet people along the way and ask if they have anything they would like me to pray for as I walk.
Last week, I met a very kind man who seemed delighted to hear about someone walking and praying for the city. He didn’t have a specific need, but instead asked me to join Him in thanking God for His many blessings. As we chatted, he asked if this was a regular thing I did, and I replied that I do this walk weekly. His response to that was, “Weekly? Why not daily?”
As the conversation ended and I continued to walk (about 5 miles left in the 6.5 mile route), I pondered the question. Even as my knees and ankles ached from long ago injuries, I wondered whether I was doing enough. Why don’t I do it more often? I know my joints act far older than their 40 years, but God can heal those aches. Maybe He would heal them as I walked more… And if not, aren’t He and this city worth walking through the aches? If Jesus walked to Calvary and went through all He did, couldn’t I go through a little more pain to do this walk more often?
As I walked and wondered (and judged myself for weakness or selfishness I’m sure that kind man didn’t intend to imply), God eventually broke through all of my thoughts with His answer to the man’s question.
Because daily isn’t what He has asked of me.
It was as simple as that. I am being obedient to God, and that is all He has ever asked of any of us.
I have noticed something in the past when I’ve fasted or done other things which God asks of us in His word. When I am doing those things to be obedient and truly serve Him, there is grace. I can withstand discomfort and persevere when my motive is to serve and worship God. In those times where I’ve done those same activities out of a sense of obligation, guilt, or even (subconsciously) trying to win points to get my way, there is no grace. Serving God isn’t a bargaining chip, and He doesn’t want our sacrifice. He wants obedience.
What has God asked you to do? Have you felt pressured by other (well-meaning, I’m sure) people or yourself to do more? Does it feel like what you’re able to offer in this season isn’t enough or you should always be doing more to serve God and those around you? Cease striving. Obedience is enough.
There will always be more opportunity to serve than we can possibly do. Don’t allow guilt or obligation to steal the joy of simple obedience. It’s not our job to save the world (and kill ourselves in the process). He is the only one who can do that. We simply have to do the part He gives us, however small that might feel at times.
