The Cost and Reward (The Outcome of Obedience)

Aligning with God’s Will

Genesis 22:10-12 ESV
Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”

The purpose of obedience is to align our lives with God’s divine will and purpose. Abraham’s obedience on Mount Moriah demonstrated his reverence and respect for God. His willingness to sacrifice Isaac showed that he trusted God’s plan completely, even when he couldn’t see the outcome. This act of faith was not just about following a command, but about aligning his will with God’s greater purpose.

Staying Focused on God’s Mission

Proverbs 4:20-27 ESV
My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.  Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

Proverbs 4:25-26 encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on God’s path and avoid distractions. Obedience helps us stay focused on God’s mission for our lives, ensuring that we do not deviate from His divine course. When Abraham lifted his hand to sacrifice Isaac, he was fully committed to God’s will, trusting that God would provide. This moment of obedience, even in the face of immense personal sacrifice, revealed Abraham’s unwavering faith in, focus on, and devotion to God.

The Outcome of Obedience

In our lives, obedience serves a similar purpose. It helps keep us focused on His plans and prevents us from being swayed by distractions. Let’s remember:

• Abraham’s story reveals that obedience is a daily commitment to trust in God’s guidance and provision, even when the path is unclear.
• Just as God provided a ram in place of Isaac, He will provide for us when we commit to following His will.
• Our obedience is a testament to our faith and trust in God, and it opens the door for His blessings and guidance in our lives.
• By aligning our lives with God’s will, we stay on His path and fulfill His purposes for us.

 

Reflect on areas where you may be distracted or deviating from God’s path. Identify one specific distraction and make a plan to remove it from your life. Commit to spending time in prayer and scripture daily, asking God to help you stay focused on His will and purpose for your life.

 

Lord, help me to stay focused on Your path and avoid the fiery darts of the enemy and other distractions intended to prevent us from standing confidently on Your living word. Teach me to trust in your provision and obey your commands, even when the way is unclear. Strengthen my faith and help me to live a life that honors You. Amen.