Life is a tapestry woven with threads of mystery, and often, we find ourselves staring at the underside—knots, tangles, and patterns that make no sense. In our walk with God, this can be especially true. He calls us to trust Him, to follow His lead, even when His ways seem unclear or His commands feel counterintuitive. The quote, “There are things you won’t understand. Just obey,” invites us into a deeper kind of faith—one that surrenders the need for answers and embraces obedience as an act of love and trust.
This is not an easy call. Obedience requires humility, courage, and a willingness to relinquish control. Yet, it is in these moments of surrender that we discover the beauty of God’s plans and the depth of His care for us.
The Essence of Obedience: Trusting the Heart of God
At its core, obedience is not about rules or restrictions; it’s about relationships. It’s about trusting the heart of a Father who loves us beyond measure. Think about this: if you knew someone who had infinite wisdom, boundless love, and perfect intentions toward you, wouldn’t you want to follow their guidance? That’s exactly who God is.
In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” This imagery of a shepherd and his sheep paints a picture of trust. Sheep don’t always understand where the shepherd is leading them or why they must walk through certain valleys. But they follow because they trust the shepherd’s voice and know he will lead them to safety and provision.
Similarly, our obedience to God flows from knowing His character. He is good (Psalm 34:8). He is faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9). He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). When we anchor ourselves in these truths, obedience becomes less about duty and more about devotion.
Biblical Examples of Obedience Amid Uncertainty
The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who obeyed God despite not understanding His plans at the time. Their lives serve as powerful reminders that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
- Abraham’s Journey into the Unknown
Imagine being told to leave everything familiar—your home, your family, your culture—and go to an unspecified land. That was Abraham’s reality when God called him in Genesis 12:1-4. Abraham didn’t have a roadmap or a detailed explanation; he had only God’s promise. Yet his obedience set the stage for God’s covenant with him and the birth of a nation. - Noah’s Ark-Building Faith
Noah was asked to build an ark in preparation for a flood when rain wasn’t even a concept people understood at the time (Genesis 6:13-22). Can you imagine the ridicule he must have faced? Yet Noah obeyed because he trusted God’s word over human logic—and his obedience saved humanity. - Mary’s Submission to God’s Plan
As a young woman engaged to be married, Mary could have been overwhelmed by fear or doubt when the angel told her she would conceive the Messiah (Luke 1:26-38). Instead, her response was one of humble obedience: “I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled.” Her willingness to obey brought salvation into the world.
These examples remind us that while we may not always see the full picture, our obedience plays a vital role in God’s greater plan.
Why Obedience Is Hard—and Why It’s Worth It
Let’s be honest: obedience isn’t always easy. Sometimes it feels like walking in the dark or stepping off a cliff with no visible safety net. Our human nature craves control and understanding; we want to know why before we say yes. But here’s the truth: if we wait until we fully understand God’s plans before obeying Him, we’ll miss out on so much of what He wants to do in and through us.
Obedience often requires:
- Letting Go of Control: Trusting that God knows what He’s doing even when we don’t.
- Facing Fear: Stepping out in faith despite uncertainty or potential risks.
- Sacrificing Comfort: Being willing to leave behind what feels safe or familiar for the sake of following God.
Yet every act of obedience brings blessings—sometimes immediately, sometimes over time. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 promises that those who obey God will experience His favour and blessings in every area of life. And more than material blessings, obedience brings peace—a deep assurance that comes from knowing we are walking in step with our Creator.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Obedience
If you’re struggling with obedience right now—whether it’s forgiving someone who hurt you, stepping into an unfamiliar calling, or letting go of something you’ve been holding onto—know that you’re not alone. Here are some practical steps to help you embrace obedience:
- Anchor Yourself in Scripture
The Bible is filled with reminders of God’s faithfulness and wisdom. Meditate on verses like Jeremiah 29:11 (“For I know the plans I have for you…”) or Romans 12:2 (“Do not conform to the pattern of this world…”). - Pray Honestly
Bring your doubts and fears before God. Ask Him for clarity if needed but also for the courage to obey even without full understanding. - Seek Wise Counsel
Surround yourself with mature believers who can offer guidance and encouragement as you navigate challenging decisions. - Take Small Steps
Obedience doesn’t always require giant leaps; sometimes it starts with small acts of faithfulness—choosing kindness over retaliation or prioritizing prayer over worry. - Reflect on Past Faithfulness
Look back on times when you obeyed God and saw His goodness unfold as a result. Let those memories fuel your trust in Him today.
Read More About This Quote
Daily Devotional: Obeying Allows You to Live Out Your Purpose
Words of Wisdom: Walking in Step with God: The Beauty of Obedience
A Loving Invitation
God doesn’t demand our obedience out of harshness or control; He invites it out of love. Like a parent guiding their child away from danger or toward something better, His commands are always for our ultimate good—even when they don’t make sense at first.
If you’re standing at a crossroads today, unsure whether to take that step of faith, remember this: You don’t have to understand everything to trust Someone who does. Obeying God isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about trusting that He is the answer.
As Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Let your love for Him lead you into joyful obedience—not because you have all the details but because you trust His heart completely.