Legacy Ladies Note: Katie is my Phi Lamb sister and sister in Christ. She’s got a Mona Lisa smile that lights up a room. She is passionate and one of the most disciplined people I know. And she truly seeks to walk in God’s will no matter the cost. We’re blessed for her to share the not-so-pretty side of obedience with us. -Nikki

By Katie Logsdon

Obedience is hard. Sometimes I think it’d be easier to do exactly what God tells me to do if He spoke directly to me like He did with Moses. I mean, He appeared in a burning bush, audibly declared that He was God, and told Moses, “So now, go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10). It doesn’t get much clearer than that.

However, Moses still struggled to obey.

Moses repeatedly questioned God’s judgment in choosing him for the task. He told the Lord:

“Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent – either in the past or recently or since you have been speaking to your servant – because I am slow and hesitant in speech” (Exodus 4:10).

Do you feel inadequate for a task God has called you to?

God’s response to Moses’ feelings of inadequacy was, “I AM” (Exodus 3:14). You’re not an eloquent speaker, but I AM. You’re not powerful, but I AM. You’re not God, but I AM.

Even when Moses finally did as the Lord instructed, he continued to question and doubt himself along the way (Exodus 5:22-23, 6:12, 6:30). We can’t wait until we’re perfectly comfortable and confident with our calling to obey (we probably never will be). Obedience isn’t about how we feel. It’s about moving when He says move.

Moses didn’t keep his questions and doubts to himself. When you’re faced with a decision or feel a calling, but have doubts, continually give those doubts to the Lord. Never stop trusting that He is listening, and through it all, step out in obedience.

What’s ironic, yet tragic about this story is that Moses never actually steps into the Promised Land because of his lack of faith later in his leadership (Deuteronomy 34:4).

I often find myself obeying God not because my obedience will glorify Him, but rather because of what it will get me. I feel entitled to a reward. However, obedience is not always a pretty, cause-and-effect relationship.

As we see with Moses, God calls us to obedience for His glory, not our reward. Obedience should not feel valiant, like a hero who knows that if he just tries hard enough, using his own power, he will save the town. Rather, through obedience we realize that we are incapable of obeying apart from God.

However, God keeps His promises through our obedience. He blesses us with:

• A life where we do not lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:16)
• A life where we are joyful in tribulation (2 Corinthians 4:16)
• A life where we are anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6)
• And much more…

Step out into obedience and accept the promises that full devotion to Jesus Christ allows!

Where do you feel God calling you in obedience? Maybe obedience lies in finally asking your co-worker to go to church, or maybe obedience lies in stopping yourself from snapping at your parents after they ask a seemingly “stupid” question.

Obedience hurts. It’s like doing surgery on a heart; it takes time and pain, but it ultimately makes it beat stronger and fulfill its purpose better. However, the joy of obeying and accepting the promises the Lord has given us through grace surpasses all.