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Letter from the Committee
Obedience
Can you feel it? Can you smell it? Fall is in the air! While temperatures have not yet taken the winter nosedive, summer is breaking into the season of crisp evenings, vibrant foliage, and warm spices. When refreshed by the abatement of a particularly warm summer, it’s hard not to want to hold onto the “perfect” days forever. If only we had a remote control to manipulate the weather!
Yet, the cyclical weather patterns in nature exist for very necessary reasons. For example, in cold weather, many plants go into seasons of dormancy that reset growth cycles and provide rest and restoration of nutrients. If we avoided all cold weather, would new growth be able to replace the old? In all of nature’s seasons and cycles, there are comforts and discomforts produced by balance and extremity.
This bears a striking similarity to a lifestyle of obedience to the Lord. We walk through stages of fruitfulness and perceived dormancy. While obedience sometimes feels uncomfortable, each season is laden with purpose and good use, and draws us into a more intimate relationship with our heavenly Father.
The mandate to be obedient in love and reflecting the character of Christ is not overly complicated. In light of human shortcomings and applying the Word to specific contexts and decisions… the actual obeying part becomes much more daunting. Thankfully, we’re not called to manage it alone as a prerequisite for a relationship with the Father. When we choose to surrender our hearts to Him, He transforms us so that we are empowered to obey.
Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
God doesn’t just manipulate circumstances, He changes hearts and minds. He is after our hearts above all else. If we prayerfully lean into His work in us and around us through each season, we will be transformed in heart, soul, and mind. Our eyes will be transformed to better recognize the work of His hand in each ensuing step. This month, let’s share in praying for transformation in obedience. May we trust that He is forever guiding our steps even when the way appears murky, confusing, or dark. May we be people that wholeheartedly obey our Lord and Savior!
Your Stoa Alumni Committee,
Samuel Durand (AR), Nicole Kaiser (MT), Alyssa Sloneker (AR), Denise Sprimont-Vasquez (VA), Elizabeth Stapleton (OK), and David Vasquez (VA)
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