You Shall Eat the Good of the Land
- mark14355
- Jul 6, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 9, 2024
If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.
The Conditional Promise!
Living a Life in Alignment with God
We are always at our best when we are in alignment with God and His perfect plan for our lives. This alignment brings peace, purpose, and fulfillment.
Isaiah 14:24-27 reassures us that God's plans will prevail: "For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him?"
Isaiah 1:19 offers a profound promise: "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land."
This verse isn't just a historical footnote; it's a living invitation to experience God's blessings in our lives. But it begs an important question: Are we truly willing and obedient to God's call? We can be willing and then not obedient to follow it through. We can also be obedient without being willing! Any of us that have had children will know how this works!
Willingness: The Heart's Posture
Willingness is more than just passive acceptance; it's an active, intentional posture of the heart. Are you open to God's leading? Are you ready to say, "Here I am, send me" as Isaiah did? Willingness involves a readiness to listen, to change, and to move forward, even when the path isn't clear.
Obedience: The Act of Faith
Obedience goes hand in hand with willingness. It's about stepping out in faith and acting on God's commands. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18) exemplifies this. Despite the tremendous personal cost, Abraham obeyed because he trusted God's promise. His obedience opened the door to greater blessings.
What Holds Us Back?
Fear of the Unknown: Fear can paralyze us, making us hesitant to step out in faith. Joshua 1:6-9 repeatedly reminds us to be strong and courageous. God is with us, and His plans for us are good.
Comfort and Complacency: Sometimes, our current situation feels safe and familiar, making it difficult to embrace change. Yet, God's plans often require us to leave our comfort zones.
Past Hurts and Disappointments: Past experiences can make us wary of trusting again. However, God calls us to forgive and move forward, trusting in His healing power.
Attachments and Idols: We may hold onto things or people that we value more than God's will for our lives. These attachments can become idols, obstructing our spiritual growth.
Letting Go: Biblical Wisdom
The Bible offers practical guidance on letting go of what holds us back:
Surrender in Prayer: Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. Surrendering our fears and desires in prayer brings peace and clarity.
Seek Accountability: Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Surround yourself with a community of believers who will encourage and challenge you.
Focus on God’s Promises: Meditate on scriptures that affirm God's faithfulness. Isaiah 14:24-27 reminds us of God's sovereign plans: “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.”
Take Small Steps of Faith: Like the Israelites crossing the Jordan River, sometimes we need to step into the water before we see it part. Small steps of obedience build our faith for greater challenges.
It’s Time to Reflect and Act
Assess Your Willingness: Take time to reflect on your heart's posture. Are you open to God's leading? Are you ready to embrace the unknown, trusting in His plans for you? A willing heart is eager to listen and ready to act. What needs to change in your life?
Evaluate Your Obedience: Examine your actions. Are you following God's commands, or are you hesitant? Do you have something that you need to deal with that you have been avoiding? Obedience often requires courage and faith, just as Abraham demonstrated when he was willing to sacrifice Isaac. Be Courageous!
Identify What Holds You Back: Be honest with yourself about what prevents you from fully committing to God's will. Is it fear, comfort, past hurts, or attachments? Is it that thing that you can’t let go of? Recognizing these barriers is the first step toward overcoming them.
Practical Steps to Let Go and Embrace God's Purpose
Surrender in Prayer: Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. Surrender your fears and desires to Him in prayer, and let His peace guard your heart and mind. Ask Him to step in and help you to address those areas that need to change.
Seek Accountability: Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Surround yourself with a community of believers who will encourage and support you in your journey. And that friend that you can walk with and be open with! Find them and invest time into that positive relationship that speaks God’s goodness over your life.
Focus on God’s Promises: Ruminate on His word and let the Holy Spirit speak to you through His word as He challenges you. Isaiah 14:24-27 reminds us of God's sovereign plans: “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.” Let these promises strengthen your faith.
Take Small Steps of Faith: Begin with small acts of obedience. Just like the Israelites had to step into the Jordan River before it parted, take small steps of faith that will build your confidence in God's guidance.
What Then Should We Do Next?
Reflect on your willingness and obedience to God. What is holding you back? What do you need to let go of to embrace God's purpose for your life fully? As you align with His will, you will "eat the good of the land"—experiencing the fullness of His blessings. Be strong, be courageous, and trust in the unshakeable plans of our mighty God.
Embracing His Promise:
If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.
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