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ACTIONS IN SPITE OF FEELINGS

Dear COA family,

A parable was told by Jesus to his disciples on the importance of obedience through actions:

There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

 ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

“Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.”

Matthew 21:28-31

This parable highlights how God our Father views our response to His call. He is pleased when we intentionally and actively obey his word in our lives.

And often this is in spite of our how we may be feeling at that time. We may feel tired, reluctant or inadequate at what God has commanded us but as we take steps of faith, the Lord is able to provide us with grace to do his will in our lives.

I remembered many times in my life when I felt unworthy or exhausted in my service, but I knew that was the leading of the Lord. And in my small steps of obedience, the Lord came through in wonderful ways!

What are the things that God is stirring in you to accomplish in this year of 2023? Be like the first son, whom responded with concrete actions in spite of his emotional state.

As you do that, you will not only please God but will witness and experience his greatest blessings for your life and the people around you.

Have a blessed week ahead!

Revd Ian