“And they seized a certain Simon… and laid the cross on him” (Luke 23:26).
Obeying God often costs more to other people than to ourselves, and it is precisely there that suffering arises. If we are truly passionate about the Lord, obedience will not be a burden, but rather a pleasure. The true cost is not upon us, but upon those who do not love God, because our faithfulness inevitably disrupts the plans of those who live without considering the divine will. And when this happens, criticism arises: “You call this Christianity?” The world does not understand obedience to God, because it is accustomed to a superficial faith, without renunciation and without real commitment to the truth.
Paralysis in spiritual life occurs when we begin to fear the discomfort our obedience may cause others. But there is no way to obey God without causing an impact around us. Obedience activates divine purposes in the world, and this inevitably shakes human structures. If we say, “I don’t want to make anyone suffer,” we are, in fact, placing an unacceptable limit on God, for we are prioritizing the will of people over the will of the Lord. And the result of this will always be disobedience.
Our role is not to calculate the consequences of our obedience, but to trust that God will take care of those affected by it. He knows how to act in every situation. We must simply obey and leave all the consequences in His hands. Beware of the temptation to try to dictate to God how far you are willing to go. The faithful servant does not impose conditions on the Lord, but simply follows, knowing that obedience always results in blessing, whether now or in eternity. -Adapted from O. Chambers. Until tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Dear God, it is true that obedience to You is not always understood by those around us, and often suffering comes not from personal cost, but from the reaction of those who do not understand Your ways. I know that following You with all my heart can generate criticism and opposition, but I do not want to allow the fear of rejection to paralyze me. Teach me to love You above all, so that my faithfulness is never compromised by the desire to please men.
My Father, today I ask You for courage to obey Your mighty commandments without reservation, without calculating the consequences or fearing the impacts my faithfulness may cause. I know that it is You who sustains all things and that I do not need to try to control what will happen around me. I want to trust that, if my obedience generates resistance, You will be with me, strengthening me and leading every situation according to Your will. May I never place limits on what I am willing to give You, but may I follow with determination, knowing that obeying You will always bring eternal fruit.
Oh, Most Holy God, I adore and praise You because You are faithful to take care of everything when we choose to follow Your will. Thank You because You do not leave us alone when we face opposition, but sustain us with Your strength. May my life be a testimony of unconditional faithfulness, so that I never hesitate to obey You, regardless of the cost. I know that all obedience results in blessing and that being in Your presence is worth more than any human approval. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your mighty Law is my constant friend. I find in Your commandments the strength and courage to face daily challenges. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
