Have you ever played Simon Says? That simple childhood game teaches us something profound about our relationship with God. Just as we carefully listen and follow Simon's instructions in the game, we need to pay attention to God's guidance in our lives.
God gives us instructions, not through a game, but through His Word, through our parents, through leaders, and through the Holy Spirit within us. He wants us to follow His instructions not just sometimes, but always.
Sometimes we get mixed up when we hear instructions. We might understand part of what God is telling us but miss other parts. Instead of seeking clarification, we often decide to do our own thing or nothing at all.
It's like building a toy for your child. The instructions tell you exactly what to do, what materials to use, and where everything goes. Some people think they're too handy to need instructions, while others follow them initially but then push them aside when they think they've got it figured out. Then they end up with extra screws and bolts at the end!
Similarly, as Christians, when things are going well, we sometimes push God aside thinking, "I got this now." Then when we fall into a ditch because we weren't following instructions, we expect God to pull us out.
Just like following the rules in Simon Says leads to winning the game, following God's instructions leads to blessings in our lives.
John 12:26 says, "Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me." When we follow God's instructions, the Father honors us.
What are some of these blessings? The Bible tells us we can have "peace that passes all understanding." This means that even in hard times, we can be calm. Even when we're struggling, God provides a peace that goes beyond human comprehension.
We also receive "joy unspeakable" - a joy that the world didn't give and can't take away. Even in dark places, even at our lowest points, even with broken hearts, God can bring us joy.
These blessings might not always be material things, but they're always good. They include peace, joy, love, and a closer relationship with God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths."
Life Application
As you go through this week, replace "Simon says" with "God says" in your mind. When you face challenges but make it through the day, "God says, clap your hands." When you're not sure where your next meal is coming from, but somehow you have bread and water, "God says, clap your hands."
When you realize it's only because of Him that you woke up this morning, "God says, clap your hands." When you understand it's only because of Him that you live, move, and have your being, "God says, clap your hands."
Here are some questions to reflect on this week:
- What instructions from God have I been ignoring or misunderstanding?
- In what areas of my life am I trying to maintain control instead of trusting God?
- How can I better position myself to hear God's voice clearly?
- What specific step of obedience is God asking me to take right now?
- How have I experienced God's blessings when I've followed His instructions in the past?
Remember, if something hasn't worked out the way you thought it would, God might be telling you to "do it again." Your faith might be low - do it again. Some doors haven't opened that you knocked on - knock again.
The instruction is simple: give God your life. If you tried before and it didn't work out, do it again. If you surrendered to God but things got harder instead of easier, God says, "do it again."
Don't give up on trusting God. Follow His instructions again, knowing that your obedience brings reward and that God has not left you even when you weren't following His instructions.