Quick Obedience

“When I feel the Holy Spirit nudging me, I want to be quick to respond. To obey. Because I believe the rewards will be greater that way.”

 “This time Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command and went to Ninevah.” -Jonah 3:3 (NLT)

There is so much about the story of Jonah that I relate too. In the past I have been such a stubborn person. There are so many stories I have of my journey with God and resisting His commands in my life. When the Holy Spirit was coaxing me in a certain direction and I would fight it for so long. Most of the time I would end up obeying… but not the first time… not quickly. Sometimes it’s because I just downright did not want to. I was in my comfort zone, or enjoying myself in sin. Sometimes it’s because I wasn’t sure it was God telling me to do that thing and I would question it and struggle with a lack of faith. 

I’m sure everyone can relate to me on some level here. Let’s dig into the story of Jonah a little. Most of us know this story by heart. God called Jonah to Ninevah, and Jonah said no and ran. God sent a fish to swallow Jonah. But what happens after God calls Jonah a second time? He obeys, and goes to Ninevah? This part is left out of the kid’s stories we read. The Bible tells us that Jonah was so upset that God showed mercy to the Ninevites that Jonah was suicidal… he wanted to DIE. This is absolutely wild to me. I can’t tell you why Jonah felt that way… but I  have to wonder if it had something to do with the fact that he didn’t obey God the first time. 

Maybe if Jonah had obeyed the first time, God would have changed his heart. Given him a heart for the people. Seen them through the eyes of the Father. Then at the end of that story, he would have been overjoyed that God showed the Ninevites mercy, instead of being so angry and upset. 

There are so many times I wonder how things would have been different if I had obeyed quickly when God called me to do something. The simple things like praying for someone, or paying for a person’s coffee in the drive-thru. Or the tougher things like quitting your job, fasting, or forgiving someone who hurt you.

I am working on teaching my children “first time obedience”. There are consequences when they do not obey the first time I tell them something. We also teach them that “delayed obedience is disobedience”. This is something God is teaching me as well. Quick obedience. Trusting Him enough to just do it right away… not questioning or doubting. When I feel the Holy Spirit nudging me, I want to be quick to respond. To obey. Because I believe the rewards will be greater that way. Even better… the more you listen to the Holy Spirit, the easier it is to hear Him. The more sensitive you will be to His voice. 

Action Step:

• Say a prayer with me. 

Written by Rachel, homeschool momma of 3