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When Obedience IS The Reward

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Miss Meg Goes
to Washington
Meg Biallas

One of my good friends just came back from Africa. Her two-week stint included passing out prescriptions and treating hundreds of children with malaria in Burkina Faso (just north of Ghana).

What was her big takeaway? I had to know! I listened with bated breath over hot chocolate on a chilly night in D.C.

Accepting God’s commands with a grateful heart, she said.

She is a woman of few words – some may call her shy – but when she speaks, I always listen.

I don’t think I’m shipping off to Africa anytime soon – much less dispensing medication – but her comment struck me. So often I seek approval for the things I do. It doesn’t matter what it is – a big project at work or something as simple as picking up the groceries and expecting a “thank you” from the roommates. I don’t usually vocalize this desire, but if I don’t get the appreciation I think I deserve, I internalize a little bit of resentment. And those little bits can build up into some nasty grudges that only push me farther from God – and my relationships.

More often, I should be asking God if I am following God’s plans, and I don’t get a Girl Scout badge just for following directions or doing the “right thing.”

I waited for my friend to offer up more wisdom from her travels, to explain the exotic terrain and weather, to describe the darkness and disease she witnessed. But she didn’t say much more. And she didn’t have to.

Going to Africa, treating malaria, pursuing a missional lifestyle is not radical for my friend. It’s not radical because she’s doing what is asked of her.

As we enter a season of thanksgiving this Advent, I also aim to enter a season of obedience. Whatever I am called to do, I hope to do it boldly, asking nothing in return.

God, please give me a willing heart. Please let me lay down my pride and my expectations. Help me recognize that doing your work is the reward. Draw me close as I strive to obey.


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