Follow, But Are You Available?


Follow, But Are You Available?

Hook
Many people follow Jesus, but not everyone is truly available for Him. Following is the invitation; availability is the commitment.

Scripture
"Boaz had a good time, eating and drinking his fill—he felt great. Then he went off to get some sleep, lying down at the end of a stack of barley. Ruth quietly followed; she lay down to signal her availability for marriage." (Ruth 3:7 MSG)

Explanation
Naomi had given Ruth a clear plan. Ruth's responsibility was simply to follow it. She obeyed every instruction and, at the right moment, signaled her availability for marriage. Naomi knew that once Ruth made herself available, Boaz would take the necessary steps.

This reveals an important spiritual truth: following and being available are not the same thing. Ruth didn't just follow—she made herself available.

Application
The same challenge confronts us today. Many people follow Christ, but only a few are truly available for His purposes. God is looking for willing hearts.

As Isaiah 1:19 says, "If you'll willingly obey, you'll feast like kings." Willing obedience is what God desires. Sometimes God is simply looking for a heart that says, "Yes, Lord." He tested Abraham's willingness before providing the sacrifice.

The disciples illustrate this truth beautifully. Before the cross, they followed Jesus, but when pressure came, they fled. After the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, everything changed. They were no longer just followers—they became fully available to Christ. They boldly preached the gospel, endured persecution, and many willingly laid down their lives for Him.

Jesus said, "Follow Me, and I will make you." Following is the first step; making yourself available for Him to shape, use, and send you is the next. Don't just follow the Master—be available for the Master's use.

Reflection
Am I simply following Jesus, or have I made myself fully available for His plans and purposes?

Prayer
Father, thank You for calling me to follow You. Give me a willing and obedient heart. Help me not only to follow but also to make myself available for Your purpose. Shape my life and use me for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Discussion Question
What area of your life is God asking you to make available to Him today, rather than simply following from a distance?

Have a fruitful day,
(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Think About It. Talk It Over. Do Something!

Image
Think About It. Talk It Over. Do Something! "And he ordered the men he sent out, 'Say to every man in Israel: Has such a thing as this ever happened from the time the Israelites came up from the land of Egypt until now? Think about it! Talk it over. Do something!'" (Judg. 19:30) These three simple instructions reveal a powerful process for bringing change and accomplishing worthwhile goals. First, think about it . Every meaningful achievement begins as an idea. It starts in the mind where possibilities are imagined, plans are formed, and vision takes shape. Before anything can become reality, it must first become clear in your thoughts. Next, talk it over . When an idea captures your heart, you naturally begin to discuss it. You share it with trusted people, refine it through conversation, and give it a voice. Talking about it helps transform a vague thought into a defined direction. Talking about it gives life to the idea. Finally, do something . Thi...
Read more

With Such an Attitude

With Such an Attitude “She said, ‘Of course I’ll go with you. But understand that with an attitude like that, there will be no glory for you. The LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman.’ So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh.” (Judges 4:9) It is often said that attitude is everything—and in this passage, that truth is unmistakable. Through Deborah, God gave Barak a clear promise of victory over Sisera. Yet, Barak hesitated. He was unwilling to step forward in obedience unless Deborah accompanied him. While God still granted victory, He made it clear that Barak’s reluctance would cost him the honor—Sisera would fall, but not by Barak’s hand. This shows us something powerful: our attitude matters deeply to God. Willingness, courage, and trust are not optional in our walk with Him—they are essential. A hesitant or conditional obedience can limit the fullness of what God intends to do through us. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that willingness positions us for God’s best. And in Philippi...
Read more

"Law man" or God's man

Image
The law in one sense was a defective reflection of God. It reflected who God is; though not a perfect reflection. The law says don't steal, God does not steal. The law says do not lie, God does not lie, etc. But there was more to God that law could not show or give to us. As a result, God has given us His grace. His grace was not just a reflection of Himself but was God Himself. The law would should you what to do but could not grant you the ability to do it but grace did not just show you, He did it for us. The essence of the law was to satisfy God but grace came and did that on behalf of mankind. The reason why the Apostle says here that he quiets being a 'law man' but instead became God's man "What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man". (Gal.2.18 MSG) Are you 'law man' who is still strivi...
Read more