Forsaking All I Trust Him

What is obedience? What is the first thing we do when we question the meaning of a word? I don’t know about you, but I immediately go to my phone, tap on the Google app, type in “definition of obedience,” and in good ole Google fashion, a suggestion pops up for “definition of obedience in the Bible.” So for the purpose of this devotion, I will give you both definitions.

“Obedience”- compliance with an order, request or law or submission to another’s authority.

“Definition of obedience in the Bible” - a willing, loving submission of God’s authority, aligning your will with His purpose, and acting on His commands out of faith and trust.

Buzz, buzz, I want to be, buzz, buzz, buzz, an obedient bee. Does this little song sound familiar? Oh I wish I had a dollar for every time I sang that song to my children and now to my grandchildren. If we could have a dollar for every time my husband, my children or I recited Ephesians 6:1 “Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right,” we would be rolling in one dollar bills. My husband’s and my goal as parents with young children was for them to have a willing, loving spirit to submit to our authority. A swift, “yes ma’am,” if you will. As much joy as we receive as parents or grandparents hearing those words, with a willing, loving spirit, imagine how much more joy God receives when we give our “yes” with a willing, loving and submissive heart.

God wants our “yes,” without hesitation, as the definition says: acting on His commands out of faith and trust. He wants us to step out in faith. A great way to remember what true FAITH looks like is by using this acronym:

F - forsaking

A - all

I - I

T - trust

H - Him

This kind of faith can be scary. When I was in my 20’s I was approached about coteaching an adult ladies Sunday School class. I was so nervous, I wanted to say no! To be quite honest, even thinking about it now gives me heart palpitations, but I did it. I studied and studied for weeks preparing for the lesson. The lesson went well, but could it have been more spiritual? Oh, I am sure. Or a little less shake in my voice while teaching? Yep! Or could someone have seen my nerves and thought, if Courtney can do it, so can I? Maybe. But did I step out in FAITH? I did, and I am thankful I did it! I say this often, “It is good to do hard things.” Period. After some time, I began to serve with the children’s ministry, and let’s face it, they are way more forgiving!

I said “yes” to God and He used my “yes” to eventually place me where I needed to be - now serving with the children’s ministry. I believe that we are all called to serve somewhere.

1 Peter 4:10

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

I encourage you to step out in faith, be obedient, and give God your yes! No matter what that may look like. It could be a stepping stone to the next “yes” God has for you. You will not regret it!

Prayer Points:

• Heavenly Father, thank you for calling us to serve! Thank you for being the most perfect example of obedience!

• Thank you for being the most perfect “yes” because without Your “yes” to sacrifice Your life for us we would have no hope.

• Help me to walk obediently in what your next “yes” is for me.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the wonderful gift of service. Thank you for calling us individually to do your will. Thank you for being that perfect example of obedience because without that we would have no hope. Lord, I pray that you will help us to open our heart, our ears and our spirits to be able to know what you ask of us. Help us to step out into faith and walk obediently in you for our next yes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Courtney Sauls

Flourish Women’s Ministry

Mid-Way Baptist Church