When Obedience Feels Like Death | Obedience .04
Obedience is hard when the sun is shining and life is good, but what about when the storm clouds come? When you get a scary diagnosis, or your business goes bankrupt, or your friend rejects you for your faith—this is when obedience feels costly, even like death. The Bible might tell us to expect suffering, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy when it comes. Our natural response in suffering is to turn inward and to focus on ourselves. So when the call to obey comes up, it feels like even more is being taken from us. But in this episode, Laura and Emily provide encouragement for the sufferer, and gospel hope that even costly obedience leads to life.
Want to help Risen Motherhood keep creating the content you know and love?
For this mini-series, we’re giving you a free five-day Bible study, Love Keeps You by Courtney Reissig, designed to supplement what we’re working through on the podcast. Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). But what does keeping his commandments even look like?
We know we love Jesus. We want to obey. But how? This short Bible study walks you through Jesus’ last words to his disciples in John 13-17. They had questions about obedience too. Thankfully, Jesus gives the answers we all need.
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The Bible study includes 5 days of study, a short devotional with a motherhood application, and a verse to read and apply with your kids!
For a complete list of all our recommended articles and books on obedience, head over to our Obedience series page.
We’re so thankful for Crossway, publisher of the ESV Single Column Journaling Bible®, Artist Series, for helping make this mini-series possible! This collection of journaling Bibles celebrates the treasure of God’s word through the artistic talents of his people. Each artist offers a visual entry point focused on a biblical theme or passage, all designed to help readers engage with the Bible. Head to their website to view the beautiful covers and order your copy. We’re so thankful for Crossway’s sponsorship!
R|M Apply Questions:
Is there a specific suffering happening in your life right now that makes it hard to obey? What step of obedience feels the most difficult?
Look up James 1:2-8. What is surprising to you in this passage talking about trials? What effect does James say suffering has in our lives?
James also says if you lack wisdom (particularly in your suffering) to ask God for more of it. Write (or say) a prayer to God asking for specific wisdom in a trial you are facing. If you can’t think of a trial in your own life, consider praying for another friend who is suffering.
How has suffering produced obedience or good results in your life? Or can you think of a time where suffering eventually produced fruit in your life?
Can you think of a person you know (or have read about) who persevered in suffering? How did their faith encourage you towards obedience to Christ?
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