Obedience = Trust

Trust enough to obey?

Do we trust God? Completely? Trust enough to obey Him? That was my question when He asked me to go back to Washington to spend 4-6 weeks with my brother to help in a time of crisis. It was only 4 weeks and I am back home, but I can say without reservation that God is faithful. What He asked of me, He performed through me, even driving through Seattle on I-5. He is so good. He just wants an opportunity to live through each of us. Think about it, He wants to live through you.

God loves us completely and without reserve, wanting only the best for each of us. As He molds, shapes, and refines us with loving care, His goal is to conform us to the image of His Son. The question is, do we trust Him?

Jesus demonstrated obedience

Jesus came not to do what He wanted, but to do the will of His Father. His whole life was spent doing the Father’s will. He could have complained when people didn’t like Him. He could have been offended when they didn’t accept His teachings. He could have resented the crowds when they only wanted food and healings from Him. But He didn’t.

God had a plan, a beautiful plan, that did not depend on the approval of people. Jesus knew the hearts of people. He knew what they were like and didn’t rely on their accolades.

Our obedience is about trusting our kind Father in heaven to know what He is doing even when it doesn’t make sense to us.

Living obedience

When you get that inner nudge to do something that you are sure is from God, don’t think about the outcome, the cost, or the inconvenience. God already knows what it will cost. You see, it is Christ that lives in you. If we allow Him to fulfill the requirements, then He is free to use us for His purposes.

Most of the time, obedience is in the little things. You know, loving someone who irritates your flesh, taking no offense when an unkind remark comes your way, or doing a monotonous chore with joy as unto the Lord.

When obedience takes you out of your comfort zone or when it may not make sense, a step of faith is required. Can we trust God? Does He know what He is doing in asking this of us? Do you remember He will never leave you?

What if I fail?

Let me encourage you in this area. If we fail, we are trusting in our abilities not in God’s abilities, or are looking for a certain result. God wants us to simply obey and leave the outcome to Him.

Doesn’t that take a load off? We don’t have to perform. We just have to let God live through us, to do what He has asked of us, to give Him permission to live through us.

Prayer – Father in heaven, May we trust You enough to obey You. Everyday. In every circumstance. Amen.

Words to light your path this week

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. NKJV
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. NKJV
Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You, our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand. NKJV
2 Corinthians 5:15 …and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. NKJV
2 Timothy 2:21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. NKJV
Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. NKJV
Hebrews 13:5b For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” NKJV

Lighted Path

Sharing wisdom from the Bible to light your path