Why should I obey this commandment from God? I pondered. Is it because the consequences of disobeying Him would be bad? Hmm, but is that all? Ah, I see it now—my thinking was turned around. I should have asked, “Why would I disobey?”
For Noah and Abraham, obedience was their default mode. They believed in God and did what He said. Noah had the task of building a huge ark, one that his family of eight could occupy for several months. Of course they also had to share their accommodations with animals of all types and species! It took Noah 120 years to complete his big building project. Think of the excuses that Noah could have used to argue with God: “It will cost too much.” “It’s not feasible.” “It will take too long.”
But Noah trusted in God. So he gave himself fully to his work, showing a heart of faith and obedience (Hebrews 11:7). He showed us that faith believes and obeys God and His Word.
Abraham was about 75 when God called him. While people lived longer at that time than we do today, he still wasn’t a young man. But when God said He needed to follow His instructions and experience a major life change, he left his familiar surroundings and ventured into an unknown place with his family (Hebrews 11:8). Questions such as these likely filled his mind: Will Sarai be able to adapt to the new environment? Are the foreigners friendly? Nonetheless, God had called and Abraham obeyed.
Noah and Abraham recognized that God is trustworthy—we can follow and obey Him in confidence. What is He calling you to do today that will require trust and obedience? As He empowers you, may you follow Him and His Word, experiencing your own faith-building adventure!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 12:1-11
More:
In Romans 1:5 and Romans 16:26, note what Paul reveals about the connection between belief and obedience.
Next:
Is your faith marked by obedience? How can our faith be deepened as we choose to follow God and His Word consistently?
gary1schelvan on August 28, 2015 at 12:28 am
Ni hao Poh Fang Chia,
Boy you nailed it right on the head with your posting. Why indeed would you not obey God? One of my favorite quotes from a pastor, comes from Dr Charles Stanley of InTouch ministries. He simply says, “Obey God, and leave all of the consequences to Him.” I have come to realize in my later years, 64 yrs old, that God will not put us in a situation, where He does not provide the resources and means to carry out His will. We just have to take that first big step out in faith, trust in the divine providence of God, and go for it. Thanks for your writing, always find it so thought provoking. Bless you in these difficult days for Christians.
Gary Shultz on August 28, 2015 at 6:41 am
Yes, a question we must ask ourselves. It does test the cords of belief, faith and trust to obey. It seems to always to be wrapped up in choice, which God seems to really value. When we obey, it’s God and His fellowship and blessing, when we chose other wise, we loose that and soon find the sting for bad choices. Thanks
Marlena Graves on August 28, 2015 at 10:59 pm
This is so true. I’d also like to add that for me, even though I know God is trustworthy, the longer I walk with him, the more my trust is challenged. It’s as if God turns up the heat, or allows it to be turned up, to test me. Thank you for this.