How well do you take instructions? Do you follow them without question? Or do you question them? Are you willing to follow instructions blindly? Or do you want an explanation? Do you want to know the expected outcome? Do you want explicit step-by-step instructions?
Some people are good at following instructions. Others are not. Some will follow instructions, trusting the person giving them. Others question every detail. Some can take a general instruction and know what needs to be done to accomplish it. Others need step-by-step instructions.
When I was in the Marine Corps, I learned something called “Commander’s Intent.” That means a leader would give a general instruction and leave it up to the individual to determine the steps required to complete the mission. Those types of instructions require a person to think. You must understand the desired end state and determine how you can best accomplish it.
God gave Abram (later Abraham) a general command. He didn’t tell Abram where he was going, but God did say he would lead him. He didn’t say how or when Abram would become a great nation, but God did say he would bless him. He didn’t say how Abram would be a blessing, but God had said he would bless Abram. So, Abram had to trust God and trust that God’s blessing would be passed on to Abram’s descendants.
Sometimes God gives us general instructions. They may not come audibly. They may come through a lost job and a new job. They may come through a broken relationship and a new relationship. They may come through an undesired move. I know. I have experienced every one of them. We must be willing to follow God’s instruction and trust he knows what is best for us.
I pray we all are willing to follow God’s instruction. I pray we choose to trust God to lead. I pray each one of us see God working in our lives and listen for him to guide us each and every day. Follow God’s instruction. Trust God to lead. See God working. Listen for God. Know that he will bless you.
Genesis12:1-2 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”
Marty Pressey 