HEAR & OBEY

Having a conversation with God and hearing Him speak is one of the most powerful aspects of an intimate relationship with the Lord! However, in order for this relationship to flourish, listening must be followed by obedience. When God speaks, we submit to His authority and obey what He tells us to do.

In Jonah 1:1-3, God speaks to Jonah, commanding him to go and preach to the notorious and rebellious people of Nineveh. Jonah initially chose to follow his own desires in rebellion, rather than to submit in obedience to the word God had spoken to him. This choice led him to being thrown overboard in a stormy sea, and ultimately to ride in the belly of a fish until he was willing to repent for his disobedience and obey the word of the Lord. Jonah cried out to the Lord and received another opportunity to listen and obey, which resulted in the salvation of an entire city!

In John 14:21, Jesus tells us, “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” Jesus is teaching here that obedience is the proof of our love for Him, and it brings us into intimacy with God. As we connect with God through conversation and respond in obedience, He promises to make Himself known to us, and our relationship with Him will grow continually richer!

PRAYER

God, thank You for drawing near to me and desiring a relationship with me. Today, I draw near to You! Forgive me for the times I have not obeyed the instructions You have spoken to me. Teach me to wait in Your presence, hear Your voice, and follow Your word. Amen.

APPLICATION

• What was the last thing God told you to do? Did you obey Him? Why or why not?
• If you did not obey, ask for forgiveness. Then go back and obey the Lord! Do what He last told you to do.
• If you did obey the Lord, ask Him to speak and share what He wants you to do next. He is always speaking!