The Power of Immediate Obedience by John Avant

When I was a pastor, I often wondered how many people actually followed through and did anything I preached about! I think every pastor wonders about that sometimes.

Recently I saw an example of immediate response to the word of God which left me overwhelmed with joy. 

I had the privilege of speaking at Journey Church in Orange City, Florida which is an amazing church with many university students. I challenged the students to share the Gospel, no matter the cost and without delay.    The next day they went to their campuses and did it!

My friend, Steve Loy, who is doing an amazing job with collegiate ministry in that part of Florida, contacted me the next day.  He sent pics and videos all day long of students sharing the Gospel, and students coming to Christ on multiple university campuses!

At Stetson University, he sent me a video of 15 to 20 football players being baptized in a fountain on campus!

This past January I spoke at Stetson to an audience made up of predominantly unbelievers and seekers. After I spoke, a young lady approached me and said something I will never forget.   She asked, “Could a lesbian witch love Jesus?” 

I talked with her for a long time. She did not receive Christ, but I left determined to pray for her salvation.  

When Steve was on the campus inviting all the different student groups he could find to come to the November 4 event in which I will speak again, he told one young lady about the lesbian witch who asked that question.   She said to him, “I was that lesbian witch!”

She shared with Steve that a month after I shared with her, she surrendered her life to Jesus and is now faithfully following Him! We are hoping to baptize her in the ocean when I am there in a few weeks. 

What an amazing God we serve! Why would we not obey Him immediately? Why would we want to miss what He will do on His mission of seeking and saving the lost?

One day, Jesus came to a group of hard-working men, who had every reason to tell him no or maybe later:

“And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭

I want to respond like that to Jesus! I have seen enough of His miracles to know that when I say yes to Him and follow Him immediately, I see wonderful things!

This is the day that the Lord has made! Let’s go with Him right now. Let’s do what He says right now. And who knows what he might do? Right now!