Set Apart to Serve God

08/06/21 – 08/22/21

The Test of Obedience

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  08/08/21

One of the toughest tests we face is in our obedience to God. We must decide whether to go our own way or to go God’s way. We must choose between the broad or narrow path. We either follow the standards of this world or God’s commandments.

When Daniel faced one of his first challenges as a captive in King Nebuchadnezzar’s palace, he had to decide between the decadent pagan food of Babylon or a healthy diet that glorified God. Because Daniel passed the test in following God’s dietary standards, he reaped the benefits of obedience. Not only did he please God, he also gained favor with his captors.

Daniel 1:17 tells us, “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.” Because Daniel followed God in obedience, God allowed him to understand and to discern the world around him.

What happens when we pass a test of obedience? God imparts His knowledge to us. He increases our understanding of His commandments. The more we obey God, the more we want to obey Him. We begin to realize that God’s grace is not an excuse to sin, but rather a motivation to please and to love God more fully. “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love” (2 John 1:6).

As we follow in obedience to God’s Word, God will also give us knowledge and understanding about this world. The more we obey God and understand His Truth, the more we are able to apply this Truth to the world around us. As we seek to follow God alone, He will give us the discernment and understanding needed to live a godly life.

Prayer: God, help me to follow You in obedience. Thank You for the discernment You give as I obey You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it'” (Luke 11:28).