Hear and Obey

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“He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’”

-- Luke 11:28

Hear the word of God… Hear a word for God…and obey.

There’s a lot to unpack in this verse and section of Luke, but it always brings to mind the times in my life when I tried hard not to obey. And felt the effects of this disobedience.

Many, many years ago, on a Thanksgiving holiday, my husband and I were at my parents’ home staying overnight. And while I read in the Old Testament (I sadly don’t remember the verses), with my husband already sleeping beside me, I found myself fascinated by something there, enough for me to think, I wish I knew the history behind this verse.

And an immediate thought hit me like a force: You need to go to school for that.

Now, I had a teaching degree, so what graduate school program did I qualify for that would provide the missing information about the Bible I desired to study? Plus, I was a happy church volunteer, but I’d never considered working in ministry. And we were struggling financially yet wanting another baby, so going back to school, taking on debt, did not make sense at all.

But right there in my brother’s old bedroom with my sleeping husband beside me, I looked up graduate programs in theology that did not require a prerequisite ministry degree. And sure enough, there were some, including some at universities I admired!

Now, I would like to tell you I obeyed this word from God immediately. But I didn’t. I fought it. And every time I didn’t apply to school and later, register for classes, a pit in my stomach clenched, causing nausea and tears. I was physically ill over not obeying God’s word to me, obeying His plan for me. I finally confided in a godly mentor who said, “It’s clear that your sickness over this decision is the Holy Spirit. You will not get better until you do what He asked you to.”

So, I asked for forgiveness and finally took the leap of faith. I dove into school full-time, not knowing what would come afterward, but knowing He had a plan. I even became pregnant with my now 16-year-old son during this time! And that degree, a Theology and Religious Studies one, has immensely blessed my life in unexpected ways. I got an incredible full-time position in ministry right after graduation, and I started a writing ministry, which has granted me access to platforms like this one to tell stories of God’s faithfulness.

It is not easy. I fail practically every day. But even then, God is there with forgiveness and a fresh word.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Are you willingly living in disobedience to God’s word and plan for you?

2. Do you need to turn away from defiance and do what He’s asked of you? It can only bring blessings, so why not?