We can hardly imagine what is waiting on the other side of obedience. At the very least, each act of obedience increases our desire to continue obeying, strengthens our spirit, weakens our flesh, and magnifies our capacity to hear and receive guidance from the Holy Spirit.
As if these were not enough, there is the possibility of greater blessing moving through us to others. As Abraham received his greatest blessing after his most difficult obedience, so might we (see Genesis 22).
Jesus Himself endured the cross “for the joy that was set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). Yielding to the agony of the cross culminated with emerging victorious from the grave, bringing glory to God and life to us.
Are you challenged with a hard obedience? Try to imagine the blessings—to yourself and others—that could come on the other side of it.
The angel of the LORD called to Abraham
a second time from heaven and said,
“By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD,
because you have done this and
have not withheld your son, your only son,
I will surely bless you …
and all the nations of the earth [will] be blessed,
because you have obeyed my voice.”
(Genesis 22:15–18 ESV)