One of the biggest lessons I have learned as a Christian is to obey God's will. So sometimes we make our own choices because it seems better or quicker because it's our way, but God's way is the best. I have learned that when I trust and obey Him and do not fully understand His plans, I find peace, direction and blessing in my life. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” This scripture reminds me that God is looking into the future, I am looking into the present.
Sometimes it is difficult to be an obedient child of God. At times, God commands us to surrender some bad habits, some friendships or some desires that may be keeping us away from Him. At times I've been tempted to disobey because my flesh wanted something else. But I came to understand that it's still an act of disobedience when I obey part of the commandment and not the rest. God's greatest example of Obedience was Jesus Himself! Jesus states in John 6:38 “For I came not to do my own will but the will of him that sent me.” He loved and humbled Himself towards the Father, even when suffering.
I recall an occasion when I learned obedience. I did have a time I really wanted to make a decision fast, as I felt it would be beneficial for me. God was saying to me in my very heart to wait and pray first. Truthfully, I grew impatient because I felt I would miss out on an opportunity if I waited. I prayed and sought God's direction, so I obeyed and waited, however. Eventually, I found out that this was not a good opportunity. If I had taken part in it too soon, I would have been very let down. That was a lesson I had to learn that God's commands are designed to keep me safe and not hurt me.
Us obedience is also an expression of our love for God. Jesus told us, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15). True love for God is not only in words, but in actions as well. But when we follow Him in our struggles, we are saying no matter what's going on we have full faith in Him. God does not expect perfection from us, but He desires willing and sincere hearts.
Therefore, to obey God's will leads to spiritual growth, wisdom and peace. I have come to understand that God will never guide His children astray. Though His paths are difficult at the beginning, they always lead to joy and blessing. So I want to be constantly looking at Him for His direction and willing to follow Him no matter what He says, for He has much bigger plans for me than I have for myself.