Obedience

obedience - How can I be encouraged to obey when following God feels hard?

Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.”

Matthew 16:24

Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character.

Deuteronomy 8:2

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

FOLLOWING GOD will inevitably lead us to a crossroad in our lives: Do we take the difficult road of obedience to God, or do we take the easy and comfortable route to satisfy our own desires? We know what we “should” do, but obeying God does not always come naturally or feel joyful in the moment. God doesn’t promise us that following him will be easy. In fact, the more important a task is, the more we may be tempted toward disobedience. But God does promise that his commandments are not burdensome obligations but pathways to joyful, meaningful, and satisfying lives. Since God is the creator of all things, he knows how life is supposed to work. Obedience demonstrates both your trust that God’s way is best for you and your desire to live as a woman in close relationship with him.

Prayer Prompts

Lord, one area where I struggle to obey you is . . .

When obedience feels hard, your Word encourages me to . . .