Notes of Faith December 4, 2024

Steps of Drastic Obedience

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife.

Matthew 1:24

Joni Eareckson Tada, the well-known Christian encourager and quadriplegic, recently described the progress of her Christian life as a long series of “taking small steps of drastic obedience.” That’s how she has managed a half century in a wheelchair. “Those small moments of drastic obedience end up building a lifetime of integrity,” she said.1

We all progress spiritually by taking small steps of drastic obedience. Consider Joseph! After his dreams were shattered by Mary’s pregnancy, an angel appeared to him in a dream telling him to take Mary as his wife. He was bewildered, but he took the necessary steps of drastic obedience.

How about you? Is there a small step of drastic obedience you should take to further your spiritual growth? What is it? God calls us to respond in obedience whether we understand why or not. Ask God to help you be open to His instruction and willing to be obedient in every situation.

I think I got here from taking small steps of drastic obedience, tiny, little steps forward and a few back. Yes. But always forward, always moving forward, always pushing through the pain.

Joni Eareckson Tada

1. Shannon Woodland, “Small Moments of Drastic Obedience,” CBN, July 1, 2024.

These small steps are not infrequent. They occur every day. Obedience to love God, to worship and serve God and God alone are what bring blessing. When we serve ourselves, false gods, obeying lies, and serving their desires, we reap cursing from God.

We must not only believe in the One true God, but be obedient to His commands, for He is a God of love and desires what is righteous and true for us. Love God. Love others! This will fulfill the commandments of the Lord and lead to great blessing!

Pastor Dale