F.L.O.W: Getting Unstuck Through the Power of Surrender a 5-Day Devotional by Dr. Avril Occilien-Similienنموونە

FLOW in Obedience

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." — Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

Do you find it challenging at times to trust God? I certainly do. Sometimes, God works in ways that do not make sense to me. Throughout my faith journey, I have frequently questioned His direction and delayed my obedience, but I eventually surrendered. I have learned that while I only see a small part of the picture, God sees the whole thing.

If you have ever felt that trusting God seems unreasonable, many of us have been there. However, I can honestly say that though it was difficult, I have never regretted the times I chose to obey. Isaiah 55:8-9 is a powerful reminder that God's ways are far above ours. God’s wisdom surpasses our understanding. That is why trusting Him is crucial, even when His instructions do not make sense. Flowing in obedience may not come naturally, but it is undoubtedly necessary for God to accomplish His will through us. Remember, God wants to partner with us, and obedience is a pathway to partnership. So, when we obey, we partner with God.

We are not alone in facing the tension of hearing the voice of God, who knows all things and asks us to do something, yet still doubting or delaying. Many of the Bible characters had this same conflict. Consider Abraham, who obeyed God's call to leave his homeland without knowing where he was going. Or Joshua, who was told to march around Jericho and shout to bring down the city's walls—an instruction that seemed illogical. Yet, both followed God's directions and witnessed miraculous outcomes.

One story that has helped me move forward in obedience is Naaman's in 2 Kings 5. Naaman, a Syrian army commander, had leprosy and sought healing from the prophet Elisha. When Elisha told him to dip in the dirty waters of the Jordan River seven times, Naaman was outraged. He expected a grand, miraculous act, not a simple, humbling command. But after his servants encouraged him, Naaman obeyed, and on the seventh dip, he was healed. His healing was not in the water—it was in his obedience.

So, friend, what is God asking you to do that feels small, strange, or even humbling? Like Naaman, do not allow pride or doubt to keep you stuck and away from the blessing on the other side of your obedience.

God's instructions may not always make sense, but they are designed to stretch our faith and build our trust. Trust is about submitting and acting before we fully understand. Trust is about laying our pride aside, listening to wise counsel, and moving forward in God's way. So, flow in complete obedience, even when the path seems unclear, and watch God move powerfully in your life.

Reflect and Journal:

• What has God asked you to do that seems too small, strange, or embarrassing?
• What thoughts or beliefs are causing you to doubt or delay your obedience? Write them down.

Pray:

Lord, I thank You for Your ways are higher than mine, and Your thoughts are higher than mine. Help me to trust You and lay aside doubt and pride so I may flow in obedience. In Jesus’ name…Amen!