Help, I’m Struggling With Obedience!

HELP, I’m struggling with OBEDIENCE.  

Have you ever struggled with obedience?  Have you ever struggled doing what God said to do? You know that there’s been a tug at your heart.  You know that God has birthed ministry in you.  You know God is calling you to reach out and forgive.  Any of these may be true, but for some reason, you want to back away, quit, or just avoid it altogether.  

Well, let me encourage you.  First, know that you are not alone. Don’t be deceived by outward appearances. Many believers struggle in this area. Allow me to reassure you, YOU CAN say yes to God and move forward in obedience.  Here are some things that help me when I’m struggling:

PRAY!  

First and foremost, you should pray. BEFORE you take one step, pray.  Ask God for clarity and guidance.  Ask Him for His wisdom to help you as you began to execute the plan or task God has given you.  

Pray often. Not just at the onset of obedience, but be prayerful as you walk out every step.  Sometimes you have to go back and get the plan again.  That’s okay!  It is better to ask again then to misstep.  And if you misstep, pray about that too! 

Be honest and transparent!  When you don’t know, say that. If you don’t understand tell Him that too. If you are hurt, fearful, frustrated, anxious—whatever the emotion, submit that to God in prayer. This is the way to move forward in His peace.  

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Phil. 4:4

Know that God has a purpose.  

Your obedience to God serves a greater purpose than you know. We may not always see the bigger plan that God has, but we do fit into that plan. Lovingly, He has allowed us to be included. Through your obedience, others may come to have faith in Christ.  Through your obedience, entire families may begin the process of forgiveness and healing.  Our part in God’s plan is often very small, but know that He is doing something big. 

For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

You are the right person for the job.  

If you are like me, the doubt is usually in myself; Am I the one to do this?  Well, Know that if God chose you, you are the right person. He does all things well and makes no mistakes. There may be a need for preparation, but God knows this and will lead you down the right avenues to make this happen.  Don’t doubt God, by doubting what He can and will do through you. (Ouch!)  Know that you’ve been created for this, fearfully and wonderfully. 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph. 2:10

You have all the right stuff.  

God has not sent a single servant out unprepared! God has equipped you with all that you need.  You have: 

The Spirit of God living on the inside of you – The Holy Spirit lives on the inside of you.  He is a helper, teacher, and comforter.  You will need each of these attributes as you walk in obedience to God. 

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Cor. 3:16

The Power of God working in you – God’s will, will not be accomplished by your wisdom, intellect, or strength.  We have the power—The same miraculous power that raised Jesus from the dead—working on the inside of us (Eph. 1:19-20).

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Eph. 3:20

The Grace of God extended to you – Grace, in the New Testament, comes from the Greek word charis, which means “favor, kindness, and blessing.”   God is ALWAYS extending Grace toward us.  We can ALWAYS walk in His divine favor, kindness, and blessing.  We are stewards of that grace as we walk out His plan in obedience.  

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

The Wisdom of God available to you – It takes supernatural wisdom to walk in obedience.  Lacking in that area, no problem!  God makes wisdom available to us, and all we have to do is ask.  He wants us to ask, He wants us to receive, so He liberally gives wisdom to all who asks.  It really is that simple! 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

He is with you and He is for you.  

Oh friends, know that God is with you. Don’t take that for granted and don’t doubt it for a moment.  His presence is with you and will be with you wherever you go.  

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deut.  31:6

Know also, that God is for you!  He has not called you to do something just to watch you fall on your face.  He is lovingly rooting for your success.  It is He who works in you.   The work He is calling you to do, whether it is writing a book, or mending a broken relationship, know that it is “God himself willing and working” to do what pleases Him. When you walk in obedience, it is because God is at work in you! 

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Phil. 2:13

So, dear friends, when you are struggling with obedience, TRUST GOD!  He has given you all you need.  He will walk with you every step of the way and ensure your success.  

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