Acts 12:9

So he went our and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. NKJV

He followed the angel and did not think all that happened was real, but thought it an imagining or dream.

How easily do we dismiss the subtle promptings of the Lord because they seem unreal or we do not understand the purpose of His instructions? When they may bring us some small trouble or discomfort we reach out and cling to our doubts, hoping His command might be our own idle fancy. Even if we pray for guidance or assurance, why should He give us more than that initial direction unless we truly needed it and asked in full faith? Especially with our minds clouded by the rampant desire that He might not really be guiding us to do something difficult or possibly unpleasant.

Of course, if only He made the command more obvious, it's purpose more easily understood and that if only it was a task of enough magnitude we would know that the Lord found it important enough to command us, THEN we would happily oblige without hesitation and no matter the danger! Trusting in God to see His will done and knowing that we fight for Christ's great glory!

If we prove ourselves untrustworthy with the little things, why wold God honor us with the opportunity to serve Him in a greater capacity (Luke 16)? God does not need us to do His work; He chooses out of desire and love to use us in glorifying Himself, in whatever capacity He sees fit at the time, and there is nothing forcing Him to use us for the tasks we might jump at later on.

I don't want to be caught up in doubt, trepidation and fear, missing out on the opportunities I am given to serve the Lord because part of me does not trust Him and I forget that He does all things, including give commands that might be difficult on some level for me to carry out, for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)

Now to Him who is able to keep your from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen.