Remove the obstacles

The people grieved and mourned under the oppression of the Philistines. God raised up Samuel to deliver the message of the “magic formula.” (forgive my sarcasm) Samuel said, “If you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord, get rid of your foreign gods and you images of Ashtoreth. Determine to obey only the Lord…” (1Sam 7:3) Too often our heads understand the problem, our hearts are troubled but our hands will not be moved. We will not take action. We will not get rid of the things that stand between us and our Lord. Just like the rich young ruler (Mark 10:21-23), it’s easier said than done. We rationalize and justify until nothing is actually required of us. It’s not rocket science; if you want to be close to God, obey.