Obedience increases our Strength

“Observe therefore all the commands I am giving you today, so that you may have the strength to go in and take over the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” Deuteronomy 11:8

Faith is a muscle that must be exercised persistently so we can use it when we most need it without fear or doubt. One of the best ways we exercise our faith is through obedience. Think of obedience as the cardio exercise for spiritual strength. The more we obey, the stronger we become, and the harder it is for us to be tossed to and fro by the vicissitudes of life.

How does obedience increase our strength? First, obedience helps us live in alignment with God's will. Spiritual alignment keeps us connected to God, and spiritual strength is the byproduct of that godly connection. Second, through obedience, we rearrange our priorities and reposition ourselves as spiritual vessels God can use for His glory. Such a disposition is an invitation to God to pour His strength into our weakness so we can be His living witnesses in the world. Third, obedience gives us unrestricted access to God’s throne of grace, where His power flows freely to those who obey His commands.

In today’s text, Moses makes a passionate plea to the children of Israel to “Observe therefore all the commands I am giving you today, so that you may have the strength to go in and take over the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” Moses knew there were battles yet to be fought and enemies yet to be defeated, that required power and strength that only come from the Lord. However, without obedience, they could not access that power and strength and would be defeated by their enemies on their way to the Promised Land.

Obedience is like lifting a weight you didn’t think you could move. The first lift feels heavy, but each repetition strengthens the muscles needed for the next. In the same way, obedience doesn’t just require strength; it builds it.

Many Christians live in fear of the enemy because they are not walking in obedience to the word of God that tells us “Greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). God has given us power to defeat giants (1 Samuel 17:45), to pull down strongholds, casting down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). We have the power to speak healing to sickness (Jeremiah 17:14), life to dead situations (Ezekiel 37:4-6), hope to hopeless circumstances (Jeremiah 29:11). However, all of that power is predicated upon our obedience to God.

Without obedience, we are like a firearm without a bullet. The enemy is not afraid of people who profess faith in God but are not willing to obey His commands. He is not intimidated by prayers that are not anchored in obedience.

Let us therefore cultivate a life of obedience so we can grow stronger in our faith journey. God did not create us to just survive or live in a constant state of worry and fear. We were created to thrive and live victoriously through Christ, who strengthens us. No weapon formed against us can or will prosper, as long as we remain obedient to the will of God.

Question for Reflection

Where is God inviting you to obey today, trusting that the strength you need will be formed through your obedience?

Prayer- Heavenly Father, continue to sensitize us to your Holy Spirit who is convicting us about the necessity of obedience so we can access the power Jesus gave us in Acts 1:8. In Jesus name, Amen!