Radical Obedience
- Whitney
- Feb 1, 2019
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 28, 2019
Radical obedience.
Radical: very different from the usual or traditional : extreme.
Obedience: In its simpler Old Testament meaning the word signifies "to hear," "to listen." Obedience is the supreme test of faith in God and reverence for Him. The bond of union with Christ in the New Testament is obedience through faith.
Bonus word Faith: complete trust or confidence in something or someone.
2019 has been all about radical obedience. As one who LOVES control, it has been uncomfortable. But let me tell you. It has been so so so good.
My human nature wants to cast off all restraint. I can do what I want. I can be in control. I can march to my own beat. I can forge my own path. I can succeed on my own. I can and I will!
Sound familiar? If this is you, raise your hand.
God requires obedience. But let’s set a few things straight.
Obedience can make us feel like we are going to miss out on something. Like a fun-sucking, strict, and unfair master is going to strip us from all we want and yearn for.
“7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
12 In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:7-12.
Why would the God who planted your dreams in your heart, not give you good things when you ask, seek and knock? If you ask you receive, if you seek you will find, and If you knock the door will open!
And what will you be given, what will you find, and what is on the other side of that door? FAR more than you could ever ask or imagine!
I LOVED Christmas this year. Ember is old enough that she really enjoyed it. I spent so much time considering what she loves and enjoys doing and finding just the right gifts that would fit her and her interests. Doesn’t our father do the same??
I urge you to stop white knuckling your own small and insecure dreams for fear of some ruthless leader ripping it out of your hand and leaving you with nothing. That’s not the God I serve and that’s not the God I have experienced this past month of earnestly seeking him.
HE SHOWED UP! He gave. He revealed. He opened. And continues to.
What do you need to do to cast aside your own control to open your hands for the greater he has for you? He won’t force it on you. So, ask, seek, and knock. I can’t wait to hear what he gives you, friend.
Blessings, Whitney
Oh, Megan!! I am so glad to hear that!! I tend to try to do EVERYTHING all at once, too. We don't have to do it all ourselves thankfully, and sitting with Him in silence is so crucial, especially in the overwhelm. Do all the other things WHILE you pursue a relationship. It comes first, last, and in the midst of everything else. I have always found when I give him the first of my time, he multiplies the rest of it. Keep it up. You are incredible. Don't stop.
Thank you for sharing friend! I've been struggling with managing my time this month. I have all these dreams and goals which get run down by overwhelm. I'm building a business, working on my physical health AND pursuing a relationship with the Lord. Who has time?! You have taught me so much by sharing your faith journey. I'm headed to sit with Him in silence... legit silence... instead of doing the next thing on my list. I needed this nudge! :)