I wanted to share something that God has opened my eyes to regarding an area in my life that I’ve been seeking complete submission in, and that’s in the area of obedience.  Let me be transparent. Complete obedience has been something I’ve struggled with for as long as I can remember. While some of you may read this and think, “Goodness, Steph! Really?”.  

Remember I said COMPLETE obedience. There are many areas in my life where I’m obedient, no questions asked. On the other hand, there has been one particular area that I’ve struggled with GREATLY! For years, I’ve battled with completely surrendering my feelings, emotions, and at times, my heart to God. 

Back in February I was reading the book of Deuteronomy. In short, the book of Deuteronomy tells the story of Moses and the children of Israel as they are about to make their way into the Promised Land. The book opens with Moses proclaiming and encouraging the children of Israel to obey God, to listen and follow His commands and when they do, they will prosper.  

Obedience is a matter of the heart. Period. It’s not about doing what we feel like doing. It’s about doing what the word of God instructs us to do. The bible says in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep my commandments.” Being obedient has to be a decision we make prior to being tested. We have to fix our heart to be obedient no matter the circumstances.

I had to understand that being obedient starts from the inside out, not the outside in! Being obedient can be challenging if you don’t know what the word of God says. If you understand that God cares for you (1 Peter 5:7), and that He has your best interest at heart (Jeremiah 29:11), would obedience be easier?

Here’s the deal, obedience has to be from a place of love for God, and not from a place of gain from God! Obedience to God doesn’t exclude you from hardship, or testing. Obedience is our heart’s posture as the children of God. I have struggled with being obedient because I allowed my heart to believe that I knew what was best for my life (can we laugh together, lol).

Obedience is not just about our love for God, but it’s about partnering our heart with God’s truth. We have to be willing to surrender our will to that of the word of God. We must deny ourselves earthly pleasures, and choose Christ. In my pursuit to be completely obedient, I would read God’s word. I would spend time with Him in prayer and meditation. As I spent more time with God, the more my heart towards Him changed, and so did my obedience.

If you’re struggling to be obedient, I encourage you to fall in love with Jesus. Read what He has to say about you, and the lengths and depths He endured to adopt you as His own. Be open to partnering your heart with His way. You can be assured that being obedient will fuel confidence, because you’ll know that God has you. Obedience will tap into undiscovered trust, knowing your life has already been orchestrated for you. God can’t make you be obedient, that has to be your choice. Let us make this choice, everyday!