Hear God's Call to Trust and Obey!
Dr. Jay Wolfe

The famous pastor, Norman Vincent Peale, told a revealing story about his childhood and his father’s instructions on the foundational Christian discipline of obedience. Peale’s dad was a devoted Christ-follower and wanted his son to be a disciplined disciple. In particular, Norman was instructed by his father not to smoke tobacco because of its power to create an addiction. However, young Norman was drawn to the prohibition and, one Saturday, he was secretly smoking a cigar in the back yard when his father unexpectedly arrived. Norman quickly placed the cigar behind his back as his father walked up to him. The young teenager wanted to camouflage his illicit activity by asking a question. So, he blurted out, “Father, I have a date tonight. May I please borrow the family car?” His dad paused and looked deep into his son’s eyes and responded wisely by saying, “Norman, never ask for your father’s favor when you are holding smoldering disobedience.”

God’s Word tells us, “The Lord does not delight in burnt offerings and sacrifice but He rejoices when you obey His voice. Obedience is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22)  John Sammis captures God’s goal when he penned this great hymn: “Trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” Trust and obedience are the two hands that take hold of the promises of God. Trust and obedience are the two feet that keep you walking on God’s pathway. Trust and obedience are the two ears that enable you to hear the transforming truth of God’s Word.

Embrace your assignment: throw away any “smoldering disobedience.” Instead, actively seek the sweet joy, protection, fulfillment and productivity that come when you choose to “TRUST and OBEY" because there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey!”