Obedience saved my life
In a world of distractions and temptations, obedience seems lost.
Don’t be fooled.
It’s not about following the rules or checking off a box; it’s about aligning our hearts with the Word of God and living our lives with God's purpose and plan for us.
Jesus saved my life, and my decision to obey Him kept me safe in Him. Let's talk about the significance of obedience and the steps we can take to grow in it.
Choosing to obey God without hesitation or complaint positions us to receive His guidance, protection, and blessings. We should desire a relationship with God as our top priority. Consider the children of Isreal who wanted God’s hand, acts, and provision, whereas Moses wanted to know God by seeing and experiencing Him.
The Children of Israel is a cautionary tale of the consequences of grumbling and looking back to what God freed them from. Obedience is an act of trust and surrender, demonstrating that we believe God’s plans for us are far better than anything we could devise on our own.
Obedience vs sacrifice.
The story of Saul in 1 Samuel serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience over sacrifice. Despite multiple opportunities to repent, Saul prioritized a personal sacrifice rather than obeying God's instructions to comply.
This was not a time to sacrifice.
This was a time to obey his command, the first time.
God’s looking at our heart posture.
We must be honest with ourselves about ourselves.
Obedience also requires us to be honest with ourselves about our shortcomings and the areas where we need growth.
If you’d prefer to watch the YouTube video, check it out here:
I share a story in the video above of my hospitalization for a panic attack in college. I knew something was off. This can’t be my life or a representation of a good God. However, I had yet to come into the revelation of his goodness by tasting and seeing.
I’d seen moments growing up, i.e., uncle’s supernatural reversal of brain damage when pronounced brain dead. He sat in bed talking the day after family members instructed by the Holy Spirit prayed for his healing.
I wanted to know God for myself.
I stood in the mirror, telling him I’d give him a year to prove his existence.
A few months later, I found myself in a bar giving up alcohol, cursing, and secular music as a way to grow closer, alongside journaling my thoughts and prayers.
I learned the importance of fasting and studying the Word of God. Obedience includes taking active steps to nurture our relationship with God through honesty with ourselves to need him.
Accountability for the win.
In our journey of obedience, it is vital to have individuals who can support and hold us accountable. These people understand our identity in God, provide encouragement during times of stumbling, and propel us forward. You need leaders, mentors, and advisors to guide you as they hear the Lord on your behalf and 2 to 3 friends to pray for you and check on you even when you can’t reach out. They help you stay on track.
Knowing God as Father, Friend, and Comforter.
Obedience requires trust in God's character and faithfulness, even amid arduous circumstances.
A father gives identity, protection, and purpose.
A friend provides companionship and accountability.
A comforter does just that: comforts and guides.
I encourage you to seek the Word to understand how God shows up on your behalf and how He desires to do life with you.
To walk in obedience:
Desire a relationship with God.
Don’t complain.
Study the Word of God for yourself, I.e., study Bibles, commentaries, and concordances as resources to grow in your relationship with God.
Get honest with yourself about yourself.
Learn God as Father, Friend, and Comforter
Identify 2-3 accountability partners to do life with.
Obedience is a journey that requires daily commitment, surrender, and self-reflection. It involves giving up parts of ourselves that hinder our relationship with God and embracing His plans. While obedience may not always be easy, the rewards are immeasurable as we experience the transformative power of walking in God's will.
May we be a generation that chooses obedience over sacrifice, trusting that God's path is always for our ultimate good and His glory.
Remember, obedience is not about perfection but our willingness to listen, follow, and grow in our relationship with God. Let us answer the call to obedience.
Your Accountability Partner,
Janae Carlee
Oh, by the way…
For the latest weekly vlog, part two of episode two of the Saying ‘Yes’ to God Diaries, I share my experiences of transitioning into marriage, being a content creator and business owner. Also, I discuss faith and fitness to include the app I use to help me work out. You’ll walk away knowing the importance of God’s timing, obedience, and fortitude in action.