For the last two days, we’ve been talking about obedience, and don’t miss this:

Obeying God leads to a deeper level of satisfaction than doing your own thing ever will.
I know this not because I read it in a book, but because I’ve lived both sides. I’ve been obedient… and I’ve been disobedient.

There was a time when God was clearly trying to strengthen my obedience muscles. I was at a gas station, and He told me to give a $100 bill to a family there. It was obvious they could use the money—but here’s the catch—we could use it too.

My husband was about a month out from his bone marrow transplant. He had already been off work for three months and would be off for nine more. And that $100 bill? It was birthday money my uncle had mailed me. I wrestled with God right there at the gas pump—like full-on internal debate. And by the time I finally decided to do what He told me to do… they drove off.

The heartbreak I felt in that moment was a gut punch. I did NOT ‘obey without delay’ and I thought it cost me. I remember telling God, “If they pull back into this parking lot, I will obey so fast I won’t even have time to think about it.”

About ten seconds later… they pulled back in.

I did exactly what He told me to do. I gave them the cash—and I RAN. Obedience doesn’t always wait around for conversation.

Moments like that were God strengthening my obedience muscles—so that later, when He asked me to do something even harder, I’d be ready. Like last year, when He led me through a major career change.

When the opportunity came for me to go back into the classroom after being out of education for 10 years, I hesitated. A lot. I wasn’t sure it was right for me or my family—and if I’m being honest—I didn’t want to do it.

As Jesus followers, aren’t we supposed to follow our hearts and do what our hearts desire?
 (No. That is terrible advice. Please don’t do that. It’s also the opposite of what Scripture teaches.)

Don’t misunderstand me—it wasn’t an overnight decision. It was a long process filled with praying, wrestling, asking questions, more praying, more wrestling, and eventually saying, “Okay God. I trust You. I’ll do it.”

My feelings weren’t in it. Not yet.

I took the job, and it opened many doors—but it also closed some. For several months, it was a pure act of obedience. I wasn’t miserable, but I felt overwhelmed and exhausted—those were my top two emotions. But then something incredible happened.

Slowly, my heart caught up with my obedience.

Now I can honestly tell you that I love my career—both of them, because God has graciously allowed me to remain part of Freedom Church while also returning to education. He rekindled my love for teaching and paired it with the opportunity to help raise up a generation of disciples for the Kingdom. And the blessings didn’t stop there—He’s used it to bless my daughters and our entire family.

I often wonder—what if I hadn’t followed Him fully? I’ve made that mistake before. And if we’re being honest… so have you.

This kind of satisfaction—the kind that settles deep in your soul—only comes from wholehearted obedience. Nothing this world offers even comes close.

And I think that’s exactly what David meant when he wrote, “You satisfy me more than the richest feast.”

 Because when we choose obedience, the blessing ends up being ours.

Father God,
We come before You with humble hearts, grateful for Your Word and for the way You lovingly lead us—even when obedience feels hard. Thank You for being a God who speaks clearly, who calls us higher, and who always works for our good.
Lord, we confess that there are times when we know what You are asking of us, and yet we hesitate. We wrestle. We delay. We choose partial obedience instead of full surrender. Forgive us for the moments when we trust our own understanding more than we trust You.
Today, we choose to reset.

 We declare that You are not just Savior, but Lord of our lives.

Strengthen our obedience muscles, God. Train our hearts to respond quickly when You speak. Help us obey without delay, without excuses, and without fear—knowing that every command You give flows from Your love for us.

When our feelings resist obedience, anchor us in truth.

 When our flesh wants control, remind us that surrender brings freedom.

When obedience costs us something, help us remember that You are our greatest reward.
Lord, let our hearts fall in line with our obedience. May we find deep satisfaction—not in comfort, approval, or provision—but in walking faithfully with You. Teach us to trust that when we obey You fully, the blessing always follows, even if we can’t see it yet.

As we continue this fast, refine us. Quiet every competing voice. Sharpen our spiritual ears so that we may recognize Your leading and respond with joy. May our lives be living offerings that honor You.

We love You, we trust You, and we choose to follow You—fully and faithfully.

In Jesus’ powerful name,
Amen.