Embracing Obedience

If you have ever, as I have, held your own child in your arms – you understand what God is asking of Abraham here.

I’ve been reflecting upon the vision for life, and in the purposeful practice of reviewing history lies a salient truth that each of us must address: Will we choose to follow God’s path or our own? We may never actually wake up and say, “Today I’m going to ignore God and choose my ways," but how often do we find ourselves in a situation where we say to ourselves “I got this." Those three words should be alarm beacons whenever we find ourselves walking down that path.

In reality, when we say “I got this,” we are saying, “I don’t need you God." If those words are not scary enough, they do highlight a choice that lies in front of us continually – obedience or rebellion. This boils down to the willingness to either rely on self or deny thyself and follow Him.

One of the greatest examples we see is Abraham's unwavering obedience to God's vision. When God called Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, Abraham's obedience transcended human comprehension. Despite the emotional turmoil and the apparent contradiction to God's promise, Abraham trusted in God's wisdom and obeyed without hesitation. In embracing obedience to God's vision, Abraham demonstrated profound faith and submission, setting an example for all of us as leaders.

As we reflect on Abraham's obedience, we confront the challenges head-on of surrendering our will to God's. Like Abraham, we may encounter moments of testing where God's vision seems at odds with our desires and understanding. Yet, it is in these moments of surrender that our faith is refined, and our commitment to God's vision is strengthened. By embracing obedience, we align ourselves with God's purposes, trusting in His faithfulness to lead us through every trial and triumph.

God doesn’t ask us to do these things because it is easy for us. God asks us to do these things because God, and faith, require us to do difficult things. It is through the discipline of enduring the difficult items in life that we strengthen our connection with God’s plan. It is through those seasons where we often find ourselves drawing closer to God as a result of the decision to embrace His plans instead of ours.

Abraham's obedience to God's vision serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith. Through his unwavering submission, Abraham experienced God's provision and faithfulness in profound ways. As leaders, let us emulate Abraham's example, surrendering our will to God and trusting in His guidance. In embracing obedience to God's vision, may we walk in the fullness of His purpose, leading with integrity, humility, and unwavering faith.

Questions to Consider

1. How does saying "I got this" often signify self-reliance rather than trusting in God's guidance?
2. In what ways does Abraham's obedience set an example for us as leaders in surrendering our will to God's vision?

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Thank You

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