Tag: #surrender

Obedience When It Doesn’t Make Sense

In the story of Naaman, he was told by the prophet Elisha’s messenger to wash at the Jordan River for seven times. Naaman was a respected commander with leprosy, and was furious with this ridiculous instruction. His servant persuaded him, and he was completed healed after doing so.

WEEK 11 Theme: Obedience When it doesn’t Make Sense

For Naaman, it totally doesn’t make sense to wash himself at the river and for seven times! And he felt disrespected as the prophet Elisha didn’t come to him, but had sent his messenger with the instruction. He refused to follow it, but was persuaded by his servants. It is only by following the instruction that he was healed.

Many times, when God calls us to do something that doesn’t make sense, or it is inconvenient or uncomfortable, we are reluctant to do so. We make excuses, delay or ignore it. Many times, our pride gets in the way – we want to know the plan first so we can feel ready. We find it hard to trust God when His instruction does not make sense to us.

Faith doesn’t grow in comfort – it grows in surrender. Sometimes, the very step we resist is the one that leads to breakthrough, just like in the story of Naaman.

Weekly Intention

Obedience is not about having all the answers. It is about trusting in the One who does. Obedience is trusting in God for His plan – taking a leap of faith – knowing that God orchestrates the people and events according to His mighty plan. His plan always prevails. His plan is perfect.

This week, ponder on God’s “nudges” that is calling you to do something uncomfortable or something that doesn’t make sense. Forget about trying to figure out God’s plan, for you will never be able to do so. It is only in hindsight, that sometimes God reveals why He did what He did, but not always.

Question: Where am I challenged to obey God, even thought it doesn’t make sense now?

Beyond Comfort: Trusting God’s Greater Plan

Most people think they are in pursuit of happiness, but in reality, they are actually in pursuit of comfort. However, if we look at Scripture, we will see that God rarely called people to stay comfortable. Instead, He calls them into the unknown – into spaces that stretched their faith, tested their trust and revealed His glory. Think of how God called Abraham to leave his homeland, or Moses standing before Pharaoh, with nothing but God’s word and His promises.

God’s Plan isn’t always comfortable – but it’s always Good

We often confuse comfort with peace. Comfort is about ease, but peace is about God’s presence. Jesus promised that we would face trials, yet He also promised His peace in the midst of our trials. When we cling to comfort, we risk missing out on the deeper work God has planned for us.

📖 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)

Growth happens in the Stretch

Like muscles that only grow when stretched, our faith deepened when we step into the unknown and unfamiliar. Peter had to get out of the boat before he could walk on water towards Jesus. If we never leave our comfort zone, we will never experience the miracle of God meeting us in the impossible.

📖 “‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” (Matthew 14:29, NIV)

God’s Glory is Revealed in our Surrender

The greatest testimonies often come from people who dared to leave behind safety. Joseph endured slavery, slander and imprisonment before stepping into his destiny. When we surrender our comfort and control, we make space for God to display His amazing power in ways we could never imagine ourselves.

📖 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20, NIV)

My Invitation

This is my invitation to you today: leave your comfort zone to step into God’s amazing plan for you, so that He can lead you to greater faith, deeper trust and lasting impact.