The “you” who starts the journey of obeying God will not be the same “you” who reaches the finish line. This path is filled with unexpected challenges, rough patches, surprises, and even changes in your support system. Yet, the journey is worth it.
Your greatest adversary won’t be the tough terrain, the crowd, or even your haters. It will be your old self, ready to present countless reasons why you can’t and shouldn’t obey God. This old self knows your past and insists you have no right to move forward. It will appear at critical moments along the way. Acknowledge it, but leave it behind—it will become your testimony at the finish line.
At Fresh Fire, we witness people believing for recovery from serious illness. Their journey involves trusting God’s healing beyond doctors’ reports. Their path is named, “Jehovah Rapha, my healer, I will obey by believing your healing words!” We see those facing financial struggles, feeling as if they’re sinking. Yet, their road is “Jehovah Jireh, my provider, I will obey by looking for your daily manna in this desert!” Young and old believers strive for purity amidst overwhelming temptations. Their path is “Jehovah Nissi, my banner, the one who fights for me, I will present my body a living sacrifice to God!” Married couples and families face attacks on their vows. Their road is named, “Jehovah Shalom, my peace and wholeness, I believe what you have joined together let no man put asunder!” The fearful, lonely, and doubters travel the path of “Jehovah Shammah, God is present, I believe that you never leave or forsake me—no matter what!”
Obedience is not just a task; it is a lifestyle, an attitude, a stand against false influences trying to pull you away from God’s will. In health, finances, purity, marriage, and everything else, the “old you” will reappear—along with old ways, fears, dreams, doubts, and misjudgments. When it asks, “Haven’t we met before?” your response will shape your future.
The Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus’ birth was extraordinary, yet he had to leave the manger and walk the obedience road, facing countless challenges, even opposition from his family. He persevered to fulfill his mission.
You, too, will encounter the “old you” repeatedly. But like Jesus, you are empowered to rise to new levels in God. The worst mistake is to form a partnership with your old self. If you do, there’s always hope at the cross to rise again and continue on your path of obedience.
Jesus awaits you at the end of your journey. As you cross each stage’s finish line, he stands there with open arms, smiling and asking, “Haven’t we met before?” (And you know the answer!)
God bless you!
Pastor Janice Fareed Hardy
