When Obedience Feels Hard – Trusting God With Your Next Yes

“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.” — Isaiah 1:19 (NIV)

Let’s be honest—obedience sounds holy… until it’s actually required.

Until it means setting aside your comfort.

Until it asks you to give up control, shift your plans, or say yes when you don’t feel ready.

Obedience is a beautiful act of surrender.

But sometimes?

It’s hard.

Hard doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

It usually means God is doing something right in you—refining, stretching, and transforming.

✨ What I've Learned About Obedience When It Is Not Easy

1. Distractions Delay Your Yes

It’s not always disobedience that holds us back—it’s distraction.

Endless scrolling, overcommitting, second-guessing, “I’ll get to it later” mentality…

Distraction may seem harmless, but it keeps your “yes” stuck in neutral.

You can’t move in obedience if your attention is divided.

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…” — Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

Ask yourself: What’s quietly delaying my obedience? Your next level may be on the other side of your focus.

2. Obedience Is Inconvenient, But It’s Always Fruitful

Let’s be real—God rarely asks us to obey when it’s easy.

It often comes when it’s uncomfortable…

When it costs something…

When it interrupts our plan.

But that’s exactly where fruitfulness is born—in the place of faithful surrender.

When we obey in the small, mundane, or inconvenient moments, heaven moves.

“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” — Luke 11:28 (NIV)

3. Small Obedience Leads to Big Transformation

Obedience doesn’t always look like a major life shift. Sometimes it’s showing up. Sometimes it’s starting the thing, making the call, forgiving again, or staying planted.

God honors every yes.

And over time, those small yeses become the path to transformation.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…” — Luke 16:10 (NIV)

Your obedience could be the key to your next breakthrough. And even more? Your obedience could be the answer to someone else’s prayer.

Read & Journal:

• Deuteronomy 5:33 (NIV) - “Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”

• John 14:23 (NLT) - “Jesus replied, ‘All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.’”

• “Galatians 6:9 (NIV) - “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Obedience isn’t just about big moments—it’s about daily decisions.

🔄 Rhythm Shifts: Building a Lifestyle of Obedience

These rhythm shifts will help you create space to say yes to God with more clarity, courage, and consistency:

1. Start with a Surrender Prayer

Every morning, before picking up your phone or planner, start with a simple prayer: “God, today I choose obedience. Show me my next yes, and give me the courage to walk it out.”

Let God guide the pace and direction of your day.

2. End the Day with a “Yes Check-In”

Each evening, ask yourself: “Did I obey what God showed me today?”

If yes—celebrate it. If not—ask for grace, clarity, and renewed boldness for tomorrow.

3. Fast From One Distraction a Week

Choose one thing that often delays your obedience—like scrolling, overthinking, or people-pleasing—and fast from it for a day (or a few hours). Use that space to listen, pray, or journal your next step of faith.

Pray This Prayer:

Dear God, Help me obey even when it’s inconvenient or unclear. Show me the distractions I need to release so I can fully say yes. Strengthen me in the small, quiet places of obedience. Let my yes bear fruit—for your glory and for the good of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Remember:

If obedience feels hard right now, you’re not failing—you’re being formed.

Say this out loud today:

“I choose obedience, even when it’s hard—because I trust the God who’s calling me.”

There is fruit on the other side of your yes.

There is impact you can’t yet see.

Ready to take your next yes seriously?

Inside G.R.O.W., we walk through practical, faith-filled ways to obey boldly, build purposefully, and live surrendered. It’s more than mentorship—it’s a movement of women saying “yes” to God and watching their lives transform.

👉🏽 Join G.R.O.W. or learn more here

Let’s go live, love, and lead well—together. 🥳💛

Now, pause... What is God saying to you? Grab your Live Love Lead Journal to write down what He speaks to you and track your spiritual growth. You can get your copy by CLICKING HERE.

As you are on your faith journey, I would love to connect more. If you want to further connect or if you’re looking for more inspiration and practical tips on living a Christ-centered life with purpose, head over to the Live Love Lead Community for regular updates and encouragement. Let’s journey together in faith and resilience.

I love you with the love of Christ! ~ April Nicole Scipio 💛