Obeying God can indeed be challenging when His commands aren’t easy or align with our own desires or understanding.
However, here are some perspectives and principles that can help us navigate the difficulty of obeying God:
-
rust in God’s wisdom: God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). Even when we don’t fully comprehend His commands, we can trust that He knows what is best for us. Remember that His perspective is eternal, and He sees the bigger picture that we may not see in the present moment.
-
Seek God’s strength and guidance: We are not expected to obey God in our own strength. Through prayer, we can ask God for the strength, wisdom, and guidance to follow His commands. The Holy Spirit indwells believers and empowers them to live according to God’s will (John 14:26).
-
Study and meditate on God’s Word: The Bible is our guide and a source of wisdom and instruction. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s character, His commands, and His promises. Meditating on God’s Word helps align our hearts with His and enables us to discern His will more clearly.
-
Surrender your will: Obedience to God requires surrendering our own will and desires. It involves humbling ourselves before God and acknowledging that His ways are higher and better than ours. Jesus exemplified this surrender when He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). We can follow His example and submit ourselves to God’s will.
-
Lean on the support of fellow believers: Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage, support, and hold you accountable in your obedience to God. They can provide guidance, wisdom, and prayer during challenging times.
-
Embrace the process of growth: Obedience often involves personal growth and transformation. It may require stepping out of our comfort zones and facing challenges. Remember that God is not just interested in our obedience but also in our character development. As we persevere through difficult obedience, we become more like Christ.
-
Remember God’s faithfulness: Reflect on past instances where you have obeyed God and experienced His faithfulness. Remind yourself of His faithfulness in Scripture and in the testimonies of other believers. This can strengthen your trust in God and motivate you to continue obeying Him, even when it’s hard.
Obeying God is an act of faith and love. It requires surrendering our will to His, trusting in His goodness and wisdom, and relying on His strength. Although it may be challenging, obedience to God leads to a deeper relationship with Him, spiritual growth, and ultimately, His blessings in our lives.