09.16.03

Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. But as you abound in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us--see that you abound in this grace also. - 2 Corinthians 8:1-7.

While we were at the hospital in Oklahoma City, we had a great view of the helicopter landing pad, watched several helicopters bring in those ill, and injured. One of the options we had in going from Elk City to Oklahoma City was a mediflight or helicopter ambulance service. However, the doctor decided I was not in that bad of shape. By ground ambulance, it took a couple of hours, which seem like forever for us to arrive at the hospital in Oklahoma City. Jeanie said later that they were driving 80 mph or more and leaving her behind in a heavy rain. Inside the ambulance, it seemed their biggest concern was finding a radio station and about what time the OU football game came on. By the time, I had arrived at the hospital I was wishing I had been sent in a helicopter. I was in a hurry to get to a place where I could get better. I was in a hurry to get to a place where I knew there was a doctor that had hopefully seen some cases like mine. I was in a hurry to get well.

Not only should we be in a hurry to get well and stay well but also we should be in a hurry to do God’s will. To be obedient to Him. You see this happening with the Christians in Macedonia. Those people were poverty stricken but they were in a hurry to give to help other Christians as Paul puts it, “imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift….” As soon as they heard of the need, of other Christians suffering they wanted to help.

We should follow the example of the Macedonians and always be in a hurry to be obedient to our Lord whether it is about giving or any other area of life. We should be in a hurry to obey our Lord even when we do not fully understand. We should be in a hurry to obey our Lord even when the consequences seem unpleasant. We should be in a hurry to obey our Lord even when we may not appear in the best light as a result. We should be in a hurry to obey our Lord even when everyone else does not agree.

Think about Joshua and Caleb bringing the minority report after the spies had gone into the Promised Land. Of the 12 spies only Joshua and Caleb believed God that the giants of the land could be conquered (Numbers 13). Think about Nehemiah, cupbearer to the king in Babylon. To give up even temporarily his position meant a loss in prestige, power, and comfort. He would also face an arduous journey along with difficult living conditions once arriving in Jerusalem and many potential dangers. However, once Nehemiah understood God’s call he was ready to go ( Nehemiah 1 & 2).

Have you heard God speak to your heart? Do you know God wants you to do something? Do it now! Hurry to be obedient because it is the very best thing for you.