Obeying isn’t always easy!
Not only do I see this familiar struggle play out every day as my toddler learns what it means to obey – especially when he doesn’t WANT to, in his own words! – but lately I’ve become keenly aware of how I struggle to obey God without second-guessing. I’ll experience a check in my gut about something, a spirit-led nudge, a verse that comes to mind, or God will tell me to talk with a stranger about Him.
Yet I hesitate too much. I talk myself out of obeying. And recently, God revealed that when I choose to disobey Him, I put my own well-being in danger.
This is true in so many areas of life. God’s laws and rules may seem overwhelming at times, and certainly our flesh often rebels when God tells us to do one thing while we REALLY want to do another. But, just like how I impress on my son that he needs to obey me and not touch the stove even though he really, really wants to…so it is with us. Obeying God actually means living life within boundaries He has put in place that help safeguard us from physical and spiritual harm.
None of us want to incite harm into our lives. And none of us want to be a hindrance to the movement of the Kingdom of God and the Gospel message because we’re putting our fears, embarrassment, or second-guessing in front of following Him. These are just a couple of key reasons why obeying God matters!
This week, we encourage you to prioritize following the leading of the holy spirit power that is given to every Christian. God is so gracious to instruct and guide us. The more we focus on obedience – without complaining, without second-guessing, without “what ifs” – the more natural following His instruction will be.
When we are obedient to God’s Word, and we heed His guidance through the holy spirit, our lives change. We experience a healthier and safer life that’s more fulfilling and meaningful. So let’s make it a habit to obey without getting in our own way!
