The Ripple Effect of Obedience

The word obedience has been huge in my life these last few months. I’ve made up my mind that I can’t say no to the things God is calling me to. I’ve found that there is so much freedom when we obey. Loosening the grip of control makes life feel lighter.

In Book of Exodus, God sent Moses to demand that Pharaoh release the Israelites from slavery. Despite repeated warnings and miraculous signs, Pharaoh continually refused to obey God.

God then sent a series of devastating plagues upon Egypt, turning water to blood, sending frogs, gnats, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and finally the death of the firstborn. Several times Pharaoh appeared ready to let the Israelites go, but his heart hardened again and he refused to obey.

Because of Pharaoh’s stubbornness, the entire nation of Egypt suffered loss, destruction, and grief. His refusal to obey God did not only affect him, it affected everyone under his leadership.

That story makes me think about the influence we have today.Are the people around us suffering because of our hardness of heart? Or are they experiencing peace and flourishing because of our obedience?

I want the people around me to be flourishing in obedience to God.

So here are a few steps to help us follow God’s leading:

1. Repent from disobedience.

2. Recognize the areas in your life that hold you back and give them to God.

3. Ask God to help you obey Him.

   
   

What are some areas He’s wanting your yes?

Think about it and I want you to now take time in prayer and repent for disobedience, and ask for His help to obey.

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Scriptures to Meditate on During Your Quiet Time with the Lord.

• 1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV)“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

• Deuteronomy 5:33“Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper…”

• John 14:15“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

• Acts 5:29“We ought to obey God rather than men.”

• Deuteronomy 28:1“If you fully obey the Lord your God… the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.”

• James 1:22“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

• Luke 11:28“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”