Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.”  So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do.  Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. Let’s welcome this strong, creative woman of God, Katharina as she shares her heart this week. 
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Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. She lived in a kingdom where every subject of the King of kings lived in peace, prosperity, and love with each other. The King, her father, was a righteous King, who knew everybody’s thoughts and desires before they were spoken.

One day, the beautiful princess looked out of her window and saw something glittering beyond the castle’s walls in the Forest of Dark Shadows. She was very curious and despite her better judgment and her conscience telling her not to go, she went. Soon, she found herself stuck in the Forest of Dark Shadows. She was lost.

The night started to come upon her followed by feelings of fear and despair. She wished she would have obeyed her Father’s command not to go to the Forest of Dark Shadows and listen to her inner voice as well. Now she was scared and too ashamed to call her Father for help.

Suddenly, there was a movement coming from one side of the forest. She tried to hide, but it was too late…she looked up and there on a horse was her best friend Jesus, her knight in shining armor. He comforted her and set her high upon his horse. Together they rode to her father’s house. The King of kings waited for them at the gate and when he saw his daughter he came running to her with his arms wide open…- The End.

How does this story reflect your relationship with your heavenly Father?

We love to listen and watch love stories and fairytales. However, our lives do not seem like a fairytale at all. Instead, our lives seem like the Forest of Dark Shadows, filled with our fears, disappointments, abuse, loneliness, etc.

For instance, I hide in my “Forest of Dark Shadows” when I am afraid to step out in faith or I am not trusting my heavenly Father to guide me in my daily life and tasks. In Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version, we read “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. But in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths”.

How can I trust the Lord with all my heart when I am too afraid to let go of control and my strong will? A couple weeks ago, during my time with the Lord, he spoke to my heart to give up sweets and coffee. It was before the holiday season of cake, pies and cookies. You might guess how excited I was when I heard his command to give up sweets and coffee – I was not. And I failed a couple times, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

However, the beauty of a new day is a fresh start, (Lamentation 3:22-23). I repented and ask God for his forgiveness. In addition, I asked him to give me strength to withstand the temptation of sweets and the smell of coffee. Sometimes it is hard to listen to our heavenly Father’s voice when our flesh’s longings are stronger than our will to obey.

How can you stay firm in your faith and obedience? Leave a comment below… Or consider these  suggestions:

1. Research different scriptures about obedience and disobedience (Leviticus 26)

2. Look at a scripture verse and ask yourself the following questions:
   1. What does this verse mean to me?
   2. What does it say about God’s character?
   3. How can I apply this verse in my daily life?
   4. What is the best way to memorize this verse?
3. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any areas where you are “avoiding” his voice or not obeying him.
4. Share your experience and what the Lord is asking you to do with a friend, spouse, family member, co-worker, or someone that will keep you accountable

In the end, God promises us that he will bless us when we follow his commandments and obey his voice.

“If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit.” ~Leviticus 26:3-4 NIV

Katharina is a military spouse and a stay at home mom of a 7year old and a 5year old. She homeschools her two children and she is a life coach with www.well-springs-lifecoaching.com. She coaches women in life balance, relationships, health and fitness, and personal goal setting.

In addition, Katharina volunteers her time with www.VetREST.org, an organization that is passionate about helping Veterans and their families experience peace from the inner battle with PTS. Furthermore, Katharina is being trained in inner healing prayer with Aurora Worldwide. In her free time, Katharina loves to run, bike, hike, and swim (anything outdoors). She loves to read and spend time with her family.