Have you ever done something crazy for a friend, just because of your relationship with them? You may even tell them something like “I wouldn’t do this for just anybody”. We are always more willing to step out of our comfort zone when it is for someone we love. How often do we step out of our comfort zones for Jesus because of our love for Him?
We all struggle with obedience, even though we love Jesus. The scripture can teach us what it means to be obedient to God because we love and trust Him. John 14:15 states “If you love me, you will keep[a] my commands.” Our love for Jesus should drive us to obedience, even when we do not understand or if it seems crazy.
Joshua 6:1-21 talks about the story of Jericho. God told the Israelites to destroy the city by walking around it and blowing trumpets. Joshua even told them “Don’t shout or even speak until it’s time.” Sometimes things in the Bible can seem weird and confusing and this is one of those moments. We do not know why God told them to do what he commanded but they trusted and obeyed Him. When God calls us to obey, we might say things like “This isn’t going to work” or “How can God fix this situation” but like the Israelites, when we obey, God makes what seems impossible possible.
The Bible tells us that we are obedient to something- it is either sin or God. When God tells us to obey Him, but we choose a different path that makes more sense (to us) we actively disobey him. When we live with our heart surrender to God- we choose to serve Him in obedience.
Some of us have been trying our best to live for God but have not surrendered to Him. If you are struggling to obey God, simply give it all to Him. When we give Him all we have, He empowers us to live in obedience to Him. This week remember to obey God even when it does not make sense.