Day 2: The Power of Obedience—Love That Submits to God's Will

tnyanway
Apr 15, 2025
3 min read

Focus Theme:

Obedience is love in action. Christ’s journey to the Cross was marked not just by suffering, but by willing submission to the Father’s will. Obedience is the true test of our trust in God’s plan over our own. Obedience isn’t easy when it demands pain. Yet Christ’s submission brought our salvation. The true language of sacrifice speaks through surrender, not convenience. So what is biblical obedience? I would say that it is the loving, willing, and faithful response to God's Word, commands, and leading. It is not just about following rules — it is about relationship with God and trust in His authority, wisdom, and goodness. It is greatly rooted in love, surrendering, faith, hope, trust, and actions, and empowered by God's grace.

Key Scripture:

Philippians 2:8 (NIV)

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

Reflection:

The Cross was not forced on Jesus Christ. He chose it. Obedience didn’t just lead Jesus to ministry — it led Him to Calvary. It was not a passive surrender, but an active alignment with the will of the Father. Obedience is often misunderstood. It’s not slavery or blind submission.

For Jesus Christ, obedience was love fully expressed. It meant:

Saying "yes" when every human instinct screamed "no."
Trusting God's will, even when it didn't look victorious.
Enduring humiliation because of a higher purpose.

In our own lives, obedience often requires sacrifice — letting go of comfort, pride, timing, and control. But like Jesus Christ, our obedience becomes a pathway to purpose, power, and victory.

Scriptures:

John 14:31 (NIV) – “But He comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded Me.”✅ Obedience is a visible proof of love.
Hebrews 5:8 (NLT) – “Even though Jesus was God’s Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered.”✅ Suffering is often the training ground of true obedience.
Luke 22:42 (NKJV) – “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”✅ Obedience means surrendering our will in the most pressing moments.
Isaiah 1:19 (NIV) – “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.”✅ Obedience positions us for blessing and divine favor.

Declaration:

“Like Christ, I walk in obedience to God, not by feelings, but by faith. I surrender my will for His perfect plan. I am empowered to obey, even when it’s uncomfortable. My obedience brings glory to God and ushers in His promises.”

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the example of Jesus, who obeyed You all the way to the cross. Teach me to love You through obedience. Strengthen me when it’s hard to trust. Help me to say yes when I’m tempted to say no. Let my obedience bring You honor and reveal Your glory in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

In what areas of my life is God calling me to deeper obedience?
What fears or comforts are standing in the way of my full surrender?
Can I identify a moment when obedience cost me something but brought spiritual growth?
How does Jesus’ example of obedience inspire me in my current season?

Action Step:

Take one step of obedience you’ve been delaying — a conversation, an act of generosity, forgiveness, surrender of control, or simply trusting God’s timing. Write it down. Then act.