Achieving FaithSample

Achieving faith requires obedience.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2).

As King David’s son was dying, his efforts of praying and fasting could not save him. His son’s death resulted from God’s displeasure with his sin and disobedience. But as we follow David's life from the time of his son's death to his deliverance from Saul, David made a decisive choice:

"For I have kept the ways of the Lord and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his rules were before me, and from his statutes I did not turn aside. I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from guilt" (2 Samuel 22:22-24).

When our wants and desires are not aligned with the Lord's will, we are hindered from progressing. These areas are exposed for us to repent and acknowledge behaviors that conflict with His word:

"For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries" (Hebrews 10:26-27).

Are you achieving obedience to honor God with your actions or living by your own rules?

Pray: Heavenly Father, Thank You for exposing areas of my life that conflict with Your Word. I have deliberately chosen to disobey. Lord, please forgive me. I cannot please You if I continue in the flesh (see Romans 8:8). Help me to walk in Your light. Please give me the courage to walk away from people and influences that lead me into temptation. Help me to hunger and thirst for Your Word and truth. Guide me to live a life that honors You. Great is Your faithfulness (see Lamentations 3:23). In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.