Walking in ObedienceSample

He Will Sustain You

Sometimes the hardest part of walking in obedience isn’t starting but continuing. As scary as it might feel to take that first step of faith into the unknown, we are often full of confidence and excitement because we have nothing else to lean on except Jesus. The possibility of what He might do in our own lives and in the lives of the people around us is endless, and we can’t wait to experience it. After a while, we start seeing how things fall and land, or maybe even crash-land, and we have a better idea of what’s happening and how to navigate it. There is less possibility and more predictability, and we are tempted to take the reins from God and think, “I can take it from here.” The problem is, we can’t.

The only way to sustain our walk in obedience is by continuing to submit and devote ourselves to the Lord, not just in times when the voice of the enemy comes in opposition but also in times when things seem to be going well.

Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example... Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture...” Timothy is not just given instructions on what to do, but Paul reminds him how: Focus your attention. Read the Word, the truth, out loud. Paul tells him to do that, not just once, but continuously until he comes. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus outlines the proper order: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Seek Him. Pay attention to Him. Devote yourself to speaking His Word. Everything else will come. And, as Isaiah 40:31 says, “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

You can do it. You can run and not grow weary.

Our dependency upon His power and strength does not fluctuate based on our circumstances. Consider what your praise looks like when things are going well and what it looks like when things aren’t going well. What are some habits you can consistently practice to help keep your focus on Jesus, whether things seem to be going well or not?