Back to Obedience: Finding Your Way After You Fall
Discover how God’s grace invites us back into loving obedience, even after we stumble.
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” – John 14:15 (NKJV)
That verse seems simple at first glance. But when you sit with it for a moment, it carries a lot of weight. Obedience is not just about rules. It is about love. It is about trust. It is about choosing to walk closely with God, even when the way forward feels uncertain or difficult.
So what does it really mean to obey God?
Let’s be honest. Obedience can sound like a heavy word. Maybe it reminds you of strict rules or moments when you felt like you did not measure up. But in Scripture, obedience is not about perfection. It is about relationship. It is about staying close to God, listening for His voice, and trusting that His way leads to life.
Think about Abraham. God asked him to leave everything familiar and go to a place he had never been. No details, no roadmap, just a promise. Abraham said yes. He obeyed because he trusted the One who called him.
Then there is Jesus. The ultimate example. Philippians 2:8 (NIV) says, “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” That kind of obedience was not easy, but it was filled with love for the Father and for us.
What are we being obedient to?
God is not asking us to follow a list of rules just for the sake of it. He is inviting us into a relationship. He is asking us to live in a way that reflects His heart.
Jesus summed it up clearly in Matthew 22 when He said to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself. That is the foundation of obedience. It starts with love, and everything else flows from that.
So yes, we obey God's Word. We listen for His guidance. But not because we are afraid. We do it because we love Him and we trust that His way is better than our own.
How do we live that out in everyday life?
Obedience does not always feel easy, especially when life is messy or when we are not sure what God is asking. But God never expects us to figure it all out on our own. He walks with us and helps us grow.
Here are a few practical ways to live a life of obedience:
Read the Bible regularly. The more you know God's Word, the more clearly you will hear His voice.
Pray for a willing heart. Ask God to shape your desires and help you want what He wants.
Take small steps. Obedience often manifests in small things, such as telling the truth, choosing kindness, or extending forgiveness.
Stay connected to the community. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to stay close to God.
What if we fall short?
We all do. No one gets it right all the time. Obedience is not about never falling. It is about what you do after you fall.
1 John 1:9 (AMP) reminds us, “If we freely admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just... to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” That verse is not just for the first time we come to God. It is for every time we need a fresh start.
When you stumble, do not hide from God. Talk to Him. Be honest about what happened. Receive His forgiveness. Let His grace help you start again.
How do we return to obedience?
Maybe you feel like you have drifted. Maybe obedience feels far away right now. That is okay. You are not too far. God is not disappointed in you. He is reaching out, ready to help you come back.
Start with a simple prayer. Ask God to draw you close again. Open your Bible and listen for His voice. Take one small step back into alignment with His heart.
You do not have to be perfect. You just have to be willing. Obedience starts with a heart that wants to follow.
Your move:
Is there one area of your life where you sense God calling you to trust Him more? Take that step today. He will meet you there.
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Quick Reflection Challenge: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentence using the right word from the word bank below. Reflect on each truth as you go.
Love, grace, trust, obey, stumble, relationship, Word, return, forgiveness, heart
Obedience flows from a place of ________, not fear.
When I ________, God does not reject me.
Spending time in God’s ________ helps me hear His voice.
God invites me to ________ to Him, no matter how far I’ve gone.
Real obedience grows from ________ with God.
I ________ because I ________ Him.
God’s ________ is always available when I confess and turn back.
A willing ________ is where obedience begins.
Heavenly Father, thank You for never giving up on me, even when I stumble and drift away. Teach my heart to love obedience not as a duty, but as a response to Your overwhelming grace and kindness. Help me to hear Your voice clearly, walk in Your truth daily, and trust You more deeply with every step. Draw me closer, Lord, and let my life be a reflection of Your love and faithfulness.
If you want to make a change in your life and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or if you have drifted away and want to recommit your life to Him, read this prayer out loud and make it your own.
“Lord Jesus, I confess that I have sinned and gone my own way, but today I turn from that path and surrender my heart fully to You. I believe You died for my sins and rose again, and I accept You now as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me, cleanse me, and fill me with Your Spirit, so I can walk in obedience and live a new life in Your love and truth. From this moment on, I belong to You—lead me, change me, and never let me go.”
If you prayed that prayer with sincerity, I want to celebrate with you. You’ve just made the most important decision of your life. Whether this is your first time committing to Jesus or a beautiful return to Him, I’d love to walk alongside you in this journey. Please email me at excel2faith@gmail.com, and I will gladly send you free resources to help you grow in your new or renewed walk with Christ.