Most Christians today don’t like that we must do works. We are saved by grace and works are dead. However, there are still a measure of works we are to do as we live a life of love for Christ. Since Jesus lives on the inside I want to do what is right. I want to live a life of obedience to Him! It’s a joy to serve Jesus and be obedient to what He’s asks of you.

Has God ever asked you to do something that was either frightening, crazy or didn’t make any sense. You weren’t sure if you really wanted to obey. If you did obey I’m sure that you saw the rewards of obedience. Everything worked out. There may have been some difficulties along the way, but God was faithful.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.   Hebrews 11:6

If you have been reading my blogs, you may remember this verse. You can read my blog called Rewards for Those Who Seek God. You can either read it first or when you’ve done this one. Either way, it will be a blessing to you.

Abram lived in Quick Obedience

Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.  I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”  So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.  Genesis 12:1-4

God tells Abram to move from his country, family and everything familiar to him. Nowadays this is a very difficult decision to make. Usually, we choose to take some time to pray about it or seek advice from friends. Abram got up and went on his way. This wasn’t an easy move. It was miles away from where he was and he would have to leave absolutely everything comfortable. He was going to a place that he had never been before.

I love the fact that after God gives the command to leave the Bible simply states, “so Abram departed as the Lord had spoken (v.4)” God spoke, and he obeyed. He didn’t take a few weeks to think about it he just packed his things and left. God is looking for us to have this kind of obedience today.

Abraham’s Obedience Was Without Hesitation

Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”  Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”  So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.                                                                 Genesis 22:1-3

Once again, God spoke and gave a hard command to Abram. He was to go and sacrifice his son that God had promised him. He had waited twenty-five years for this miracle and now God was telling him to sacrifice him.

How do you respond when God asks you to give something up? I remember many years ago, when I had first accepted Christ He asked two things of me. First, He asked me to cut my hair and then He asked me to get rid of all my cd’s with secular music. I fought with God. I wanted to make sure that it was truly Him speaking to me. It was a struggle. Maybe you are struggling to give something up today. Trust me. You will be happy that you obeyed Him.

However, look at Abram. The Bible says, “he rose early in the morning”. God told him to sacrifice his son and he rises early the next morning to do it. He didn’t fast for two weeks nor did he seek council from all the leaders of the local church. He set his alarm clock and went.

There was no hesitation. He decided that obedience was the best thing for him. He knew that Isaac was the son God had promised. Now God was testing his faith.

Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”       Genesis 22:4, 5

Not only was his obedience without hesitation but it was even a three-day journey. I think we would have talked ourselves out of it on the first day. If we had even woken up in the first place. This just shows that Abraham was quick to obey. He had sacrificed everything before, leaving his family and everything familiar to him. Therefore, he was able to obey so quickly.

Faith & Obedience Work Together

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.      James 2:17

If we have faith we will also be obedient. Obedience is just proof that our faith is existent. You don’t have faith if you’re not willing to obey. It truly is that simple.

So also faith, if it is unaccompanied by obedience, has no life in it –so long as it stands alone. James 2:17 (WNT)

If you say you have faith, you’re saying that you are obedient to whatever God asks of you. Be ready to be obedient. Allow God to lead and guide your life. This is the best way to live.

Obedience isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. If you have been delaying doing something God’s ask you to do, decide today to be obedient. You will be glad you did!