When Obedience Feels Like Loss

By now, you’ve probably realized that unmuting your life isn’t just about getting louder, it’s about getting real.

Real about your identity.

Real about your calling.

Real about the cost of obedience.

And if we’re being all the way honest, sometimes obedience hurts. You can be faithful and still feel the sting of surrender. Maybe you've already felt it:

• The shift in relationships because you're no longer playing small (Lord have mercy, this one will catch you off guard).
• The internal battle between security and surrender (I’ve got both hands up on this one).
• The ache of being misunderstood for standing firm in what God said (Lord, heal the pain of being misread).

This is the part we don’t always post about. The in-between. The "I said yes to God, but I didn’t expect it to cost this much" stage.

Jesus didn’t bait us with comfort. He never sold discipleship like a clearance sale. Instead, He looked people dead in the eye and asked, “Have you counted the cost?” Luke 14:28 says,

“Which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?”

To follow Him is to count the cost and still say yes. Paul did. He said, “I counted everything I had—status, education, reputation—as garbage compared to knowing Christ” (Philippians 3:7–8, paraphrased). Daniel did. He opened his windows to pray, fully aware it could land him in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:10). Obedience wasn’t up for negotiation. And then there’s the rich young ruler. He counted the cost and walked away. Too much to lose. Not enough trust to let go (Mark 10:17–22).

So, let me ask you plainly:

What’s the thing you’re afraid to lose if you really say yes to what God’s asking of you?

What relationships, routines, or reputations are you clinging to for safety?

Because obedience and comfort rarely coexist. You’re not called to understand it all. You’re called to trust the One who does. Obedience may cost you something, but disobedience will cost you even more. It will rob you of clarity, peace, and the fullness of your purpose. And friend, I don’t want that for you. So count the cost. Then count Him faithful. Because He is.

Let's Pray Out Loud

Lord, I confess—sometimes I hesitate when obedience feels like loss. I want to say yes, but I don’t always want to let go. Help me count the cost and still say yes. Help me trust that anything I surrender is safe in Your hands. Strip away the fear of loss, and replace it with the fullness of Your presence. Make me bold, faithful, and surrendered—even when it costs. Amen.

Living It Out Loud

Reflect: What’s one area in your life where obedience feels risky right now? Be specific. Then ask: what truth from God’s Word do I need to anchor myself in to move forward?

Do: Make a two-column list:

• In the first column, write what obedience might cost you.
• In the second, write what you believe it might produce growth, healing, alignment, impact. Pray through that list and ask God to shift your perspective from fear to faith.

Declare: I count the cost and I still say yes. God is faithful, and obedience is worth it.