I often think of this example of how God works in our lives. There’s an overweight person sitting on their couch and praying to God: “God, just say the word and I’ll be slim, healthy and fit.” To which God answers, “Yes I could do that but that’s not how I work. Get up off the couch and let’s get to work.”

I wrote about this topic last year but God is reminding me, and us, that we have to get up and go if we’re to see His will done for us and for those around us. I’m reminded of several in the Bible who were told to “go”. “The Lord said to Abram: Leave your country, your family, and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1). After the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus told the expert in the law, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37).  Jesus told the ten lepers after they had asked for healing, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” (Luke 17:14). Jesus told the disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15). Jesus told the woman caught in sin, “Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11). If we’re to accomplish our mission using the gifts God has given us, we also have to GO. Sure God could speak a Word and His will would be done. But He wants to use us on earth to accomplish His will and fulfill His plan. We are the ones who have to “get up and go”. What about the kid whose Mom and Dad does everything for them? They never have to go and do anything for themselves. Just like the athlete who has to go to practice and work hard to accomplish their goals and support their team.

There is another revelation I received while thinking about this topic. Come! After Jesus walked on the water, He told Peter, “Come.” (Matthew 14:29). Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). “Draw near,(come), to God and He will draw near,(come), to you.” (James 4:8). Jesus is not only telling us to “go” but He is offering us to “come”. And, He will always be with us. Are we ready to go?