What is obedience?
Depending on who you ask, the answer may vary. For me, it means submitting fully to what God has called you to do, even when it doesn’t make sense. I have been struggling for the last few weeks as I began navigating this discernment. I don’t know why I prayed for it so lightly, as if God would minimize Himself for my comfort. So often I find myself thinking that my perspective is what he sees as well, but that is so far from the truth.
How is it that I become so wrapped up in being in “control” of my life and the opportunities that are in my face, but I fail to realize that God is the author of tomorrow? It is so easy to preach to others but fall short when it comes to walking that path for ourselves. I know that I don’t want any blessings if it isn’t from him, and I don’t want to navigate this world by myself, yet I am submitting so much of myself to this world each time I choose not to walk in obedience. I don’t get it; the very thing I fear is what becomes my reality.
None of this worldly stuff matters; it’s all temporary. The jobs, houses, cars, families, and material things all belong here. Walking in obedience is preparing us for what is to come. We are here for an assignment, and if I am being honest, I’m failing because that assignment is uncomfortable. It forces me to be vulnerable, it makes me step out of my comfort zone, and puts me in a place for this world to stump all over me. Let’s take a look at Jesus. Remember how he was treated while he completed his assignment for us? How am I viewing my life as more worthy than his and building walls to protect myself, but he willingly took every accusation, punishment, and hurt that he didn’t deserve?
God wants us to be happy; he also wants us to remember that he is our source. He has equipped us with everything that we need to carry out what he has called us for. When we gatekeep and walk in disobedience to “ protect” our plans, we hinder his plans. Somebody out there is waiting for our testimony; just because we can’t see it yet doesn’t make it ok to withhold. Don’t worry about the house, car, or job; he is our provider. We can do everything in our power to protect it and still have it taken away. True happiness comes from him; it’s not dependent on what we do and don’t have.
Walking in obedience means listening and doing without negotiating; it’s trusting that God is your provider. It’s placing your faith in him even when you don’t understand. For some, it may mean packing up and moving states without a blueprint, for others, it might be leaving a job that provides them with security. It might mean giving your last bit of money, even though your rent and mortgage might be due. Being obedient means that worldly things can no longer hold you captive because we are here for an assignment, not an attachment. God has already worked it out!