WHEN OBEDIENCE FEELS IMPOSSIBLE
Quote for Today
“I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.”
- Florence Nightingale
Bible Podcast
Take 10 minutes every day and have the Bible read to you. In one year you will have read the whole Bible and your life will have dramatically been changed.
That I can guarantee.
Click here to visit the “One Year Bible Podcast."
Used by permission. International copyright secured.
WORD FROM THE HOLY BIBLE FOR TODAY
Hebrews 11:17
“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac.”
REFLECTION
THE HOPE OF EXILES ON THE EARTH
“For many of you right now — and for others of you the time is coming — obedience feels like the end of a dream. You feel that if you do what the word of God or the Spirit of God is calling you to do, it will make you miserable and that there is no way that God could turn it all for good.
Perhaps the command or call of God you hear just now is to stay married or stay single, to stay in that job or leave that job, to get baptized, to speak up at work about Christ, to refuse to compromise your standards of honesty, to confront a person in sin, to venture a new vocation, to be a missionary. And as you see it in your limited mind, the prospect of doing this is terrible — it’s like the loss of Isaac, the only son who can be an heir.
You have considered every human angle, and it is impossible that it could turn out well.
Now you know what it was like for Abraham. This story is in the Bible for you.
Do you desire God and his way and his promises more than anything, and do you believe that he can and will honour your faith and obedience by being unashamed to call himself your God, and to use all his wisdom and power and love to turn the path of obedience into the path of life and joy?
That is the crisis you face now: Do you desire him? Will you trust him? The word of God to you is: God is worthy and God is able.”
- By John Piper. © Desiring God Foundation.
WHEN OBEDIENCE FEELS IMPOSSIBLE
THE HOPE OF EXILES ON THE EARTH
As a follower of Jesus, my attitude toward obedience should be one of trust, humility, and surrender, recognizing that God's plans are always higher than my own. Just as Abraham trusted God even when obedience was costly, I too must walk in faith, believing that God’s will leads to greater purpose and blessing. Obedience to Jesus requires me to lay down my own desires, fears, and comforts, embracing His call with a willing heart. In my worldly position, I am called to respect and submit to those in authority over me, as long as it aligns with God’s truth, reflecting integrity and faithfulness in all I do. Even when obedience is difficult, I should respond with patience, wisdom, and a heart committed to honouring God. Ultimately, my obedience is an act of worship, demonstrating my love and devotion to Christ in every aspect of my life.
Neven MacEwan
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect wisdom and guidance in my life. Teach me to walk in obedience with a heart full of trust, even when it is difficult or costly. Help me to surrender my own desires and fears, knowing that Your plans are always for my good and Your glory. Give me a humble and willing spirit to follow Jesus faithfully and to respect those in authority over me with integrity and grace. When obedience feels challenging, strengthen me with Your Spirit so that I may remain steadfast in my faith. May my obedience be an act of love and worship, bringing honour to You in all I do. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Neven MacEwan
-
Be the First to Comment