Journey With Jesus: 31 Days Devotion From the Gospel of MarkSample

Obedience against all odds

If you had to give up a promotion at work because you refused to make unethical decisions, would you still choose to honour God at the workplace? If you had to score worse in a project because you refused to cheat, would you still stand firm on godly values? If people you love were to cut ties with you because of your faith, would you still follow Christ?

Choosing to obey God can cost us our achievements, resources, and relationships. Understandably, we struggle with discomfort, disappointment, and discouragement.

Jesus knows what that feels like. Facing impending death, He experienced the betrayal of a disciple (v43-46), immense sorrow (v33-34), and abandonment by His closest companions (v27, 50). He was so distressed that He asked God if there was a way out of His suffering.

Yet Jesus chose to remain in God’s will. He understood that complete obedience was necessary. He would not consider an easier alternative if it was not aligned with God’s plan. He was determined to obey God in tough and trying circumstances, even to the point of death.

Living our lives according to God’s will will bring challenges. No one is untouched by trouble, and everyone goes through trials. But it is through adversities that we experience God’s love and grow in endurance and character (Romans 5:3-5).

Obeying God requires more than just verbal declaration or even fierce determination. It requires faith. Trusting God, Jesus was calm and controlled when He faced opposition from the Jewish leaders and a hostile crowd.

Faith is trusting God even when you are not certain what lies ahead (Proverbs 3:5-6). It is being confident that God will lead the way. It is persisting to obey God and doing His will.

Our faith in God is not a blind leap into the unknown. It is a trust that comes from knowing who Jesus is. Studying the Bible and spending time with Jesus in prayer gives us opportunities to understand Him. What can you do to know Jesus more today? List some ways you can cultivate a heart that will follow Jesus in obedience.