Would You Stay? (God's Concerns Series) - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) March 13, 2026

There's a saying nowadays: go where you are appreciated and not where you are tolerated. It makes sense, no? Why stay where you are not treated well, and your talents are undervalued? Despite how sensible this statement seems, Christians must remember that a time may come when the Lord will send them where they are unwelcome and even despised. He could also ask them, as His servant, to leave a place where they were appreciated.

The question is, will you obey His instructions or will you decide to apply worldly wisdom instead of the godly kind?

Consider Jesus's experience in Galilee. While there, He performed countless miracles, signs, and wonders. Unlike the people of the Gadarenes who asked Him to leave after He healed the man who'd been demonized by 'Legion', this community tried to stop Him from going. Luke 4:43 - But Jesus told them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well, because that is why I was sent.”

If most of us had been despised and conspired against as He was, it likely would have been tempting to remain among friendly faces. Jesus, however, put God's concerns above His. He made sure that his flesh, pride, and the desire to please men did not interfere with His assignment. In humility to His Father, He rejected the invitation to remain, continuing on a journey He knew would lead to certain death.

How many of us could set aside what makes sense to put God's plan first? Could we give up our right to choose for ourselves? Would we get angry, bitter, and resentful with the Lord? Would that saying, "go where you're appreciated," convince us to stay where we are?

The Christian journey often requires hard choices. Following the Lord in obedience is far from easy, especially when He requires us to become comfortable with the uncomfortable. In the seasons of pruning, waiting, suffering - however it is the Lord chooses to build us for His purpose. In those moments, faith, not fear, is key. Worship, instead of complaints, will empower. The Word and the Holy Spirit must also serve as anchors.

We must not reject the Lord's process, and we have to be willing to follow in Christ's footsteps. Like Him. We must choose to give God our 'yes' even when we are called to leave places, situations, and people that we are comfortable with. Remember that long before Christ's example, Abraham, our spiritual ancestor, left his home and loved ones for an uncertain future because He'd heard the voice of God telling Him to do so. It's the Christian thing to do.

Both Abraham and Jesus were rewarded for submitting. Abraham was blessed with wealth in descendants and finances (Romans 4:11-12; Genesis 13:2). Jesus became wealthy in every way, receiving power, strength, wisdom, and more (Revelation 5:12). He was also honored with the privilege of being at God's right hand (Romans 8:34). That same God who sent His servants from comfortable places will care for us when we make a practice of obedience and putting His concerns first. He can be trusted at all times and in all ways. IJMN Amen.

As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:

1. Dear Peppers 2: Don't Quit

2. Stay in God's Service

3. Stay in God's Plan and Timing

4. Live As Free People, But ...

5. The Defeats Lead To Victory

6. Don't Be A Gadarene

7. Spirit-Filled But Worldly?

8. Can You Give Up Your Rights?

9. Be About The Father's Business

10. How To Treat What God Reveals

11. Are You Trustworthy?

12. Jesus Didn’t Trust Them

13. Topic: Faith, Trust, Belief in God

14. Topic: Faith At Work Series

15. Topic: Fear

16. Topic: God's Concerns Series (Mark 8:33)

17. Topic: Humility

18. Topic: Obey/Obedience

19. Topic: Pride