Obedience Is Not Optional
Jesus could not be clearer.
“Whoever has my commands and keeps them, he it is who loves me.”
—John 14:21
And again:
“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.”
—John 14:23
Jesus does not describe obedience as a spiritual extra or a later stage of maturity. He does not say obedience follows understanding or comfort or certainty. He says obedience
reveals love.
In Scripture, obedience is not negotiated.
It is assumed.
Which means that when we talk about discernment, guidance, and clarity, we are not talking about whether we will obey. We are talking about
how obedience is faithfully lived out.
The foot is already lifted.
Why We Want the Whole Picture
Our desire for clarity is understandable. We want to know:
- where obedience will lead
- what it will cost
- whether the risk is worth it
We often tell ourselves that we are being wise when we hesitate. But Scripture reveals something uncomfortable: much of what we call waiting is actually an attempt to retain control.
We want understanding before obedience.
But Jesus consistently reverses that order.
Understanding follows obedience—not the other way around.
This is why Scripture does not function as a detailed roadmap. A map allows us to plan, calculate, and control. A lamp requires us to
trust the One walking with us.
Scripture as Precision, Not Permission
“Light for the lifted foot” does not mean acting impulsively or stepping blindly.
It assumes something far more serious.
It assumes that obedience has already been decided.
The light Scripture provides is not permission to move. It is
precision for placement—illumination that helps us place our obedience squarely within God’s will, rather than drifting into fear, presumption, or misalignment.
God does not illuminate the entire path because He is not interested in spectatorship. He is forming disciples—men and women who learn to recognize His voice, respond faithfully, and adjust their lives accordingly.
This is why Experiencing God states so plainly:
“You must make major adjustments to join God in His work.”
- Not
might.
- Not
should.
- Must.
God’s activity always demands realignment.
Why God Leads This Way
If God revealed the entire journey at once, obedience would often become conditional. We would decide whether to follow based on comfort, convenience, or perceived outcome.
But God is not forming strategists.
He is forming servants.
By giving light for the next faithful placement of obedience, God trains us to walk attentively—listening, adjusting, responding—rather than demanding guarantees.
Over time, discernment is formed not by foresight, but by faithfulness.
Walking in Obedient Trust
There is a difference between hesitation and attentiveness.
Attentiveness says, “I have already said yes to God. Now show me where to place this step.”
Hesitation says, “Show me everything first, and then I’ll decide.”
Scripture never affirms the second posture.
God honors the first.
He gives light where obedience is already in motion.
An Invitation (Clarified)
If you have already sensed God’s call…
If obedience is not in question, but direction still feels unclear…
If you are willing to adjust your life to join Him in His work…
This journey is for you.
You do not need the entire path revealed.
You do not need certainty about the outcome.
You need Scripture to illuminate
where to place your obedience faithfully.
The foot is already lifted.
The light shows where it belongs.
And God has always been faithful to provide that.
