Happy Friday! I’m very excited to welcome Jessie here today. We first met over a Skype call with a few other bloggers- the same ones partcipating in this Crazy Obedience series. I love her heart and honesty. Enjoy!
To be obedient means; to comply with orders or requests; be submissive to another’s will. In other words, being obedient requires an act. Obedience to God is our faith in action. But why is it so important to be obedient to God? Because it is the only way we will experience ALL of what God has designed for our lives.
We often become complacent as Christians with the things we already do for the Lord. I personally volunteer doing various things in my church, but I also use them as my crutch in my walk towards full obedience. For example, if God prompted me to work in another area of the church that I didn’t feel comfortable in, I simply pointed out the fact that I’m already too busy with my current tasks or that I’m simply not “good enough” to do it. So in the end, I missed out on being a vessel of God due to my fear of failing. God does not want us to retreat in fear; instead He is commanding us to act with courage.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
What do we gain from obedience? More than we could ever imagine! Some spiritual blessings that I have personally experienced are:
- A deeper relationship with God.
- The opportunity to experience the Lord’s power and glory firsthand.
- A greater trust and reliance in God.
- The opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness and provision.
- Greater knowledge of God’s purpose for my life.
- Contentment from knowing that I had obeyed God.
I’m sure I could add more to this list, but these stand out to me each time. Are there any tangible blessings? Yes, but it shouldn’t be our motivation for obedience. Obedience is not a gateway to earthly blessings; instead it is a path that leads us closer to our Heavenly Father. Let us remember that we are to set our minds on the things above, not on things of this earth. (Colossians 3:2)
Obedience requires us to be willing to deny ourselves and place God first. Our wants, possessions and loved ones cannot take precedence over God’s place in our lives. This is the only way we can submit ourselves to God in full obedience and experience freedom in Him.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
Is it easy? Absolutely not, but remember that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength! (Philippians 4:13) If we submit ourselves to God, He will show us what to do. Psalm 32:8 reaffirms this; “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” You know what else we have? The Holy Spirit that dwells in us! He is our guide at all times, in all things. What a privilege we have!
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. John 16:13
Would you a share a time that you put your faith in action and obeyed God’s will? I would love to hear from you so that we may encourage each other. My prayer is that as you step in obedience to God, you may do so freely. I pray that your fears do not halt you from putting your faith in action. I pray that you may see the fruits of your labor through spiritual blessings and that you serve as a living testimony to those that are still struggling to step in obedience.
Thank you all for allowing me to share my heart with you and thank you Melanie for this wonderful opportunity.
Blessings,
Jesenia Montanez
Jesenia (pronounced “Ja-sen-ee-ah”, but you may call her Jessie!) lives in a quiet county in Pennsylvania that is known for its Amish roots. She has a great husband, amazing children and serves an awesome God. She considers herself a work in progress, but also understands that His power is perfected in her weakness. She blogs at My Words, His Glory, where she shares her journey as a daughter of the Savior, a wife and a mom. Her prayer is that God is glorified in everything that she writes and shares.
