Being Obedient to God
Obedience to God is one of the clearest marks of a faithful believer. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to trust Him and walk in obedience to His commands. Obedience is not merely a duty—it is an expression of love, reverence, and faith. When we obey God, we acknowledge His lordship and surrender our will to His perfect plan. This blog post was inspired by my pastor who delivered a couple of powerful sermons over the last couple weeks about obedience.
What Is Obedience to God?
To obey God means to listen to His Word and act upon it. It’s more than just hearing; it’s doing. James 1:22 tells us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” True obedience is not partial, delayed, or begrudging. It is immediate, complete, and joyful because it flows from a heart that desires to please God.
Obedience is also not just about following a set of rules—it’s about aligning our lives with God’s will. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Our obedience is a reflection of our love for Him.
Let’s explore several powerful examples from the Bible of people who obeyed God, even when it was difficult.
Elijah: Obedience in Boldness
The prophet Elijah lived in a time of rampant idolatry and spiritual compromise in Israel. In 1 Kings 17, God told Elijah to declare a drought to King Ahab, a bold and dangerous move. Elijah obeyed without hesitation. Later, at God’s command, he confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, calling down fire from heaven to prove that the Lord is the true God (1 Kings 18).
Elijah’s obedience was marked by courage and complete trust in God's provision. When God told him to go to the brook Cherith and later to a widow in Zarephath, he obeyed and was sustained. His life demonstrates that obedience often requires boldness, but God always equips and protects those He calls.
Abraham: Obedience Through Faith
Perhaps one of the most well-known examples of obedience is Abraham. In Genesis 12, God called Abraham to leave his home and go to a land He would show him. Abraham went, not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). Later, in Genesis 22, God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. Although heart-wrenching, Abraham obeyed, trusting God’s promise.
His obedience was rooted in unwavering faith. Hebrews 11:17-19 tells us that Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead. This radical trust in God’s goodness and power is the foundation of true obedience.
Noah: Obedience in the Face of Ridicule
Noah is another remarkable example. In Genesis 6, God commanded him to build an ark because He was going to send a flood to judge the earth. At that time, there was no sign of rain, and the idea of a flood likely seemed absurd to many. Yet Noah obeyed. Hebrews 11:7 says, “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.”
Noah’s obedience was persistent and patient. It took decades to build the ark, but he remained faithful. His life reminds us that obedience may be misunderstood or mocked by others, but our job is to follow God, not the crowd.
Mary: Obedience in Surrender
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her she would give birth to the Messiah, her response was one of humble obedience: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Though the news was shocking and life-changing, Mary surrendered completely to God’s plan.
Her obedience came with a cost—risking her reputation, her relationships, and her future. But she trusted God’s purpose and played a central role in His redemptive plan. Mary’s example teaches us that obedience often involves surrendering our own desires and trusting in God’s greater purpose.
Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Obedience
No one exemplified obedience better than Jesus. Philippians 2:8 says, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Jesus obeyed the Father’s will completely, even when it led to suffering and sacrifice.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His obedience secured our salvation and gives us the power to walk in obedience too. As followers of Christ, we are called to walk as He walked—with humility, surrender, and love.
Why Obedience Matters Today
Obedience is still vital for us today. It deepens our relationship with God, guards us from sin, and positions us to be used by Him. When we obey, we bear fruit and shine as lights in the world (John 15:10, Matthew 5:16). Obedience is the evidence of our faith and the pathway to God’s blessings.
While obedience does not earn salvation—salvation is by grace through faith—it is the fruit of a transformed heart. As James wrote, “Faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26). A true believer longs to please God and follow His commands.
We may not always understand what God is doing, but we can always trust that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Obedience may be hard, but God never calls us to walk alone. His Spirit empowers us to do His will.
A Prayer for Obedience
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Word and for the examples of faithful obedience throughout Scripture. I confess that sometimes I struggle to obey, especially when I don’t understand Your plan. Help me to trust You fully and follow Your commands with a joyful heart. Teach me to surrender my will to Yours, just as Jesus did. May I walk in Your ways, bear good fruit, and bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
May we, like Elijah, Abraham, Noah, Mary, and most of all, Jesus, live lives marked by obedience. Not out of obligation, but out of love—because our Savior is worthy of our trust, our devotion, and our obedience.
“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.” – Psalm 128:1
If this post blessed you, consider sharing it or leaving a comment about how God is calling you to obedience today.
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