INTRODUCTION TO THE SCRIPTURE
The scripture for this exhortation comes from John 14:23, where Jesus says, “If a man loves Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him.”
When we read John chapter 14 in its full context, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the time when He will no longer be physically present with them. He comforts them, reassures them, promises the Helper (the Holy Spirit), and instructs them on what life as His followers should look like. One of the central expectations He emphasizes is obedience. Verse 23 is just one example among many where Jesus ties love directly to obedience.
WHAT WALKING IN OBEDIENCE ENTAILS
Walking in obedience to God involves several key components: it begins with hearing His Word and acting on it, not merely listening but responding. It requires aligning our will with His, choosing to do what He asks even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient.
It also means fully surrendering to His authority, allowing His Word to guide and shape our decisions and actions. Sometimes that obedience comes through the direct prompting of the Holy Spirit, but often God uses leaders, mentors, or spiritual authorities to give us counsel or correction that aligns with His will.
Throughout Scripture, from Abraham to Moses, Samuel to Mary, Peter to Paul, we see countless examples of men and women who walked in obedience and witnessed tremendous blessings because of it. Yet we also see that obedience can be one of the most challenging aspects of our walk with God, because we naturally lean on our own understanding, desires, and timing.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS ON OBEDIENCE
This week, I found myself standing before several important decisions about things I wanted to pursue. They were not small or insignificant choices. Some had the potential to shape my destiny in meaningful ways and redirect the course of my future. A few of them even carried spiritual consequences that would have impacted me deeply if I had chosen to move forward without discernment.
In the midst of all this, I was reminded that my obedience does not affect only my own life. It reaches far beyond me and touches the lives of those connected to me. The choices I make in obedience can shift someone else’s direction, strengthen their faith, or even play a part in shaping their destiny. Obedience is never isolated. Its impact always ripples outward in ways we may not immediately see.
OBEDIENCE IS A CHOICE
Walking in obedience to God is always a choice. When we consider our future, we are often drawn to what feels right or seems logical in the moment. I remember earnestly praying about getting a vehicle. After commuting via public transportation for 18 long years to and from work, I felt I had reached the point where I needed one. But God, speaking through a senior leader, instructed me to wait. I didn’t argue or question it, I simply obeyed. Later, I realized that I needed those finances for something far more important.
Many of us find ourselves at similar crossroads where an opportunity appears and our first thought is, “This must be God.” But true wisdom is not about rushing through every open door. It is about recognizing and following the doors that God Himself opens. Obedience is easy to talk about, but it calls for real trust, deep patience, and a heart that is fully surrendered to Him. And in the end, every quiet yes to God reveals just how deeply we truly love Him
THE BENEFITS OF OBEDIENCE AND THE COST OF DISOBEDIENCE
There is so much that could be said about walking in obedience to God’s will. The benefits are countless: protection, guidance, favor, peace, provision, and spiritual growth. But there are also serious consequences to disobedience, even in small things.
A small compromise can quietly open the door to sin, and sin can lead us into deception. Then, when the truth finally comes to light, it often brings shame, hurt, and unnecessary hardship with it. Disobedience, even in what we consider the “smallest matter,” can become very costly.
MAKE OBEDIENCE A LIFESTYLE
My fellow readers, God delights in obedience. He longs for us to obey Him, not occasionally or selectively but consistently, making obedience our daily lifestyle. He wants the very best for us and does not desire for us to be overwhelmed by the decisions we face.
Sometimes God answers quickly, and we sense His will immediately. Other times, He calls us to wait, listen, and trust Him to reveal the next step. We may not always receive a dramatic dream, a prophetic word, or a powerful sign. Sometimes the Holy Spirit speaks softly; a quiet yes or a gentle no. Our responsibility is simply to submit our decisions at His feet and trust His timing.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: WHERE DO I STRUGGLE WITH OBEDIENCE?
Use your journal to identify areas where obedience feels difficult, inconsistent, or overwhelming. Consider emotional, spiritual, or situational struggles.
Reflective Prompts:
- In what areas do I find myself hesitating when God speaks?
- What fears usually influence my obedience? (Fear of failure, rejection, uncertainty, loss of control, etc.)
- Do I tend to rely on my own understanding rather than God’s wisdom? Proverbs 3:5–6
- Are there recurring habits or attitudes that hinder me from following God wholeheartedly?
- What has God been speaking to me about recently that I have procrastinated or ignored?
PRACTICAL EXERCISES FOR GROWING IN OBEDIENCE:
Exercise A: The Daily Surrender Prayer
Every morning, pray:
“Lord, I surrender myself to Your will today. Help me to obey You quickly, joyfully, and faithfully. Give me strength where I am weak and light where I feel uncertain. Amen.”
Repeat this daily for at least 14 days.
Exercise B: Obedience Journal
For the next 30 days, keep a journal where you:
- Record one thing God is speaking to you through Scripture or prayer.
- Write your response: What step of obedience is required?
- End with a prayer for strength and clarity.
This helps you track growth, progress, and areas that still need development.
Exercise C: Replace Self-Reliance with Scripture
Identify the statements you tell yourself when you struggle to obey:
- “I don’t think I can do this.”
- “What if God doesn’t come through?”
- “I need to figure this out on my own.”
Now write down biblical truths to replace those thoughts:
- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” Prov. 3:5–6
- “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.” Heb. 13:6
Exercise D: One Act of Obedience Challenge
Choose one simple act of obedience you feel God nudging you toward.
Examples:
- Apologizing to someone
- Forgiving a person who hurt you
- Starting a new discipline like daily prayer
- Giving something God asked you to give
- Letting go of a situation you cannot control
- Serving someone in need
Set a date and commit to doing it within 48–72 hours.
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT
Walking in obedience to God is a journey that shapes our destiny. It molds our character, protects our future, and opens doors we could never open on our own. As you seek God’s will in your decisions, big or small, may you trust Him fully and lean on His wisdom rather than your own.
I leave you with this timeless reminder from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
May this promise guide your steps and strengthen your resolve to walk in faithful obedience every day.
Author: Kimberly A.S. Williams