It’s Still Your Choice: Responding to God’s Invitation

DAILY DIVINE WORD

Tuesday, 11th February 2020

IT’S STILL YOUR CHOICE: RESPONDING TO GOD’S INVITATION

Text: John 5:5–6 (KJV)

“And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?”

God did not create a robot. He created a human being with a mind, a will, and the ability to make choices.

The ability to make choices is one of the remarkable features of our relationship with God. Although God is sovereign, He does not force people into loving Him, following Him, or responding to His invitation. He calls us, guides us, and works in us, but He also desires our willing response.

You Still Have a Choice

In the passage above, Jesus saw a man who had lived with an infirmity for thirty-eight years. Jesus knew how long the man had been in that condition, yet He asked him a simple but profound question:

“Wilt thou be made whole?”

Jesus was presenting the man with an opportunity to respond.

The man had been in that condition for many years, but Jesus still addressed his will. His circumstances were serious, his suffering was real, and his need was obvious, but Jesus still asked him to respond.

This teaches us something important about our walk with God: we have a responsibility to respond to what God is doing and saying to us.

God may open a door, but you must choose to walk through it.

He may call you, but you must choose to answer.

He may reveal His will, but you must choose to obey.

He may extend His hand, but you must choose to take hold of it.

God's invitation does not eliminate your responsibility.

Don't Ignore God's Invitation

Sometimes we sit back and assume, “God knows everything about me, so He already knows what I need.”

Yes, God knows everything about us. But He still wants us to come to Him, talk to Him, trust Him, and respond to His Word.

God is not looking for people who merely know about Him. He desires people who willingly surrender themselves to Him.

When the Holy Spirit leads you, you still have a responsibility to yield to His leading.

So when God asks you, “Wilt thou be made whole?”, what will your answer be?

When He calls you to forgive, will you obey?

When He calls you to step out in faith, will you respond?

When He calls you to leave what is contrary to His will, will you let go?

When He invites you into His purpose for your life, will you say yes?

It's still your choice.

Don't remain where God is calling you out from simply because you have become comfortable with your condition.

Respond to His invitation.

THINK TANK

God invites you to respond, but the choice to surrender is still yours.

PRAYER

Father, I refuse to reject Your invitation or deny You access to my life. Help me to recognize Your voice, respond to Your Word, and willingly surrender to Your will. Let my choices continually align with Your purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

CONFESSION

I open my heart to You, Lord. I surrender my will to Your purpose and choose to follow Your direction. I will respond to Your Word, obey Your leading, and cooperate with Your work in my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

SHARE THIS WORD

Was today's Daily Divine Word a blessing to you?

Someone may be waiting for a reminder that their response to God's invitation matters. Share this devotional with someone who needs encouragement to make the right choice and follow God's leading.

LET US HEAR FROM YOU

What choice is God asking you to make today?

Share your thoughts, testimony, or lesson from this devotional in the comments below. Your contribution may encourage someone else who is reading.

If this message blessed you, share it and help us spread God's Word.

Until next time, keep discovering your identity in Christ and pursuing your purpose in Him.

— Ignite Generation

FROM THE ARCHIVES

This devotional was first published on Ignite Generation on 11th February 2020 and has been refreshed to make it more helpful and accessible to today's readers.

✍️ Mayokun Temileyi Adeoti 

© Ignite Generation

Primary Keyword:

Your choice

Secondary Keywords:

God’s will, responding to God, God’s invitation, Christian choices, making godly choices, following God’s will, Holy Spirit leading, Christian devotional