What made my kid cry today?
He asked for the blue cup. I gave him the blue cup.
He burst into tears… because apparently, he wanted to see the red cup first, then change his mind to the blue cup.
Motherhood is full of surprises.
But as silly as that moment was, it reminded me of something about God and obedience.
Sometimes we say, “God, I want Your will!”
But the second He actually gives it to us…
We cry, hesitate, overthink, or try to negotiate.
Because obedience sounds holy—until it costs us something.
And if I’m being completely honest…
Obedience has been my word for my spiritual journey for the past FEW YEARS.
Not just once. Not just for 12 months.
YEAR… after year… after year.
At first, I thought, “Okay God, got it! I learned obedience, can we pick a new word now?”
But He wasn’t done.
Because God doesn’t waste a word.
If He keeps bringing it back… He’s going deeper.
Why Obedience Is So Hard
Let’s be real—obedience isn’t hard because we’re rebellious people.
It’s hard because it touches the places that require surrender.
Obedience often means:
Letting go of control Trusting without full details Being uncomfortable Risking what people think Walking into the unknown Dying to our own plans
Obedience requires faith.
And faith always involves some level of fear, risk, or discomfort.
It’s easy to say “Yes, God” in church.
It’s harder when He says:
“Start this.” “Stop that.” “Forgive them.” “Wait.” “Move.” “Let go.”
Obedience is simple… but it’s not easy.
When Your Word of the Year Won’t Leave
I used to think “word of the year” meant something cute or motivational.
But obedience?
That’s not cute. It’s refining.
And the longer I walked with that word, the more I realized:
Obedience is not a one-time yes.
It’s a lifestyle of continual surrender.
Some seasons, it was big steps.
Other seasons, it was small daily choices:
Holding my tongue. Choosing faith over feelings. Staying when I wanted to run. Moving when I wanted to stay. Trusting when I couldn’t see.
And every time I obeyed—even when I was shaking—I found peace on the other side.
The Scariest Obedience in the Bible Led to Miracles
Let’s look at a few powerful examples:
Noah built a boat before rain existed.
People thought he was crazy—until the flood came.
Obedience looks foolish until it starts to rain.
Abraham left everything without knowing where God was taking him.
God literally said, “Go… to the land I will show you.”
Not “I’ll show you, then you go.”
Nope. “Go first. Details later.”
Peter stepped out of the boat in a storm.
He walked on water—not because the storm stopped, but because Jesus said, “Come.”
The miracle was on the other side of the step.
Mary said yes to God even though it risked her reputation.
“I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be to me according to Your word.”
None of these people had the full picture.
They just had a command and a choice.
And their obedience changed history.
What Obedience Has Taught Me (Over YEARS)
After years of walking with this word, here’s what God has taught me:
1. Obedience will stretch you before it blesses you.
Growth always feels uncomfortable.
2. Delayed obedience is disobedience.
“God, I’ll do it later,” is still a no.
3. Obedience is rarely convenient.
It usually interrupts our plans, comfort, or pride.
4. God doesn’t need you to understand—He needs you to trust.
Revelation often comes after obedience, not before.
5. Obedience brings peace.
Not always comfort. Not always applause.
But always peace.
6. Disobedience is actually more exhausting.
Running from God drains you.
Surrender brings rest.
7. Obedience always leads to something better.
It may not look like what we expected…
But it will always be what we needed.
How to Obey When You’re Scared
Let’s be real—you might know exactly what God is asking you to do…
But fear has been holding you back.
Here’s what has helped me:
Start small.
Obedience isn’t always one giant leap—it’s a series of little steps.
Pray for courage, not clarity.
God rarely gives all the details first.
Remember who God is.
If He’s asking for it, He’s already prepared the way.
Surround yourself with faith-filled voices.
Isolation feeds fear. Community fuels faith.
Look back at His faithfulness.
If He was faithful before, He will be faithful again.
Reflection Questions
Has God been asking me to do something uncomfortable? What area of my life am I holding onto control? What fear is stopping my obedience? (Failure? People’s opinions? The unknown?) What step could I take this week—no matter how small—to say “Yes, Lord”?
Because here’s the truth…
You’re not waiting on God.
God might be waiting on your obedience.
Obedience Isn’t Punishment—It’s Preparation
God is not trying to take something FROM you.
He’s trying to make room for something BETTER.
You may not see it yet.
It may feel scary, stretching, or strange.
But years from now—you’ll look back and say,
“That yes changed everything.”
Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for loving me enough to lead me.
Even when obedience feels scary, help me to trust that Your plans are better than mine.
Give me courage to take the step—even if I don’t see the whole path.
Help me release control, silence fear, and lean into Your voice.
May my obedience become an act of worship.
I know You will meet me on the other side.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Final Encouragement
If God keeps bringing the same thing back to your heart…
If He keeps repeating the same word…
It’s not because you failed.
It’s because He’s not done building something beautiful in you.
Obedience may be the hardest yes…
But it’s also the holiest.
And even when it’s scary…
It’s always worth it. 💛
What Makes My Kids Cry Today 