Obedience
I just returned from a wonderful Women’s Retreat with the North and Central Illinois division! I had the privilege of sitting under the teaching of Ann Voskamp. She spoke on abiding in Christ as we dove deep into Jesus’ words from John 15.
My word for this year has been obedience.
The Lord has been working in my heart and in my life about obedience. Apparently, it is still something I need to refine because it keeps coming up…including this weekend! Maybe it will be a continuous lesson throughout my life. But the Holy Spirit spoke something new to me through Ann’s teaching…the difference between striving and abiding.
Striving is self-serving when we try to earn our way in our own strength. While abiding is simply residing on the vine, keeping our airways open to the work of the Holy Spirit – breathing in God’s love and abundance.
Abiding should be like breathing – effortless because it is God doing the work. All I have to do is submit to rest in the arms of Jesus.
I have thought and prayed about this. Obedience isn’t a suggestion. It is a command. However, it is also a choice made in surrender. It should be a willful, daily act as a follower of Jesus.
- Obedience is Love
John 14:15 — “If you love me, keep my commands.”
Obedience is a response to love, not pressure.
Reflect: Am I obeying out of love or obligation?
Pray: Lord, let my obedience flow from love.
- Obey Without Full Understanding
Proverbs 3:5–6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
God gives the next step, not the whole plan.
Reflect: Where am I waiting for clarity before obeying?
Pray: Help me trust You without needing all the answers.
- Don’t Delay
James 1:22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
Hesitation often becomes disobedience.
Reflect: What have I been putting off?
Pray: Give me courage to act quickly.
- Obedience Aligns Me with God
Deuteronomy 5:33 Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.
It’s not about earning blessings—it’s about walking with Him.
Reflect: Am I trying to get something from God or stay close to Him?
Pray: Keep me aligned with Your will.
- Jesus Modeled It
Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Obedience leads to life.
Reflect: What is God asking me to surrender?
Pray: Strengthen me to say, “Your will be done.”
PRAYER:
Holy Father, move in us with urgency to walk in Your will. May we surrender in obedience to Your voice, always in tune with Your Holy Spirit. Remove all temptations and distractions that may cause us to choose our own way. Lead us in Your everlasting love.
We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone. (Psalm 33:20-23)
