Obedience Grows Faith
Scripture References
- 2 Kings 5 - The story of Naaman: instructed to wash seven times in the Jordan; obedience brings physical and spiritual healing.
- 1 Kings 19:11-12 - God is not only in dramatic signs (wind, earthquake, fire) but in the gentle whisper — a model for noticing God in small moments.
- Luke 11:28-29 - Jesus' words: blessing on those who hear and obey the word of God; a warning against demanding only spectacular signs.
Central Message
True faith grows through humble, faithful obedience to God's word. God meets us both in dramatic moments and in small, ordinary acts — and obeying even simple instructions brings transformation.
Key Points
1. Story of Hudson Taylor: faith + practical action (pray for wind while the captain sets the sail) — cooperation between prayer and doing what we can.
2. The account of Naaman (2 Kings 5): offended by the simplicity of the instruction but healed when he set aside pride and obeyed the small command (wash seven times).
3. People often prefer spectacular signs; Scripture shows God may reveal Himself in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19) rather than continuous theatrics.
4. Tears and small moments matter: emotional tears have physiological benefits and are examples of God working in ordinary life (referencing readings on tears and "A Million Little Miracles").
5. Obedience is fundamental — Ann Sullivan’s insight: obedience is the gateway to knowledge and love; doing small instructed acts leads to growth.
6. Practical implication for the church: read, hear, and do the Word of God; support those who take the Word to remote places.
Notable Quotes
"When the Lord speaks, we need to obey."
"God is in the small things as well as the big events."
"Obedience is the gateway by which knowledge, yes, and even love, enters one's mind." — (Ann Sullivan, quoted)
"Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it." (Luke 11:28, cited)
Application
- Practice immediate obedience to clear biblical instructions, even if they seem small, odd, or unimpressive.
- Look for God in ordinary moments (tears, sunsets, quiet prompts) as well as in extraordinary events; cultivate awareness of the “gentle whisper.”
- Set aside pride when a simple command is given — humility opens the way for blessing and growth.
- Read Scripture regularly and ask: What is God asking me to do right now? Then do it.
- Support and pray for missionaries and those who carry God's Word to remote places.
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for God's presence and power in the meeting; pray for a sense of God's nearness (opening prayer imagery: brush of angel wings).
- Pray for humility to obey simple instructions and for faith to act when God prompts.
- Pray for missionaries and workers who take the Word to remote places and for support from the church.
Reflection Questions
1. What simple command from Scripture are you avoiding because it feels too small or too odd? What would obedience look like this week?
2. Where do you habitually look for God — in spectacular signs or in quiet, everyday moments? How can you practice noticing the latter?
3. When has humble obedience led to growth or breakthrough in your life? How can that memory encourage you now?
4. How can our church better support people who take God’s Word to remote places?