Obedience Over Obligation

By Hannah L. Halverson

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Waiting.

Waiting for the miracle.

There’s a pause; a break in the step, a moment to encounter God as you wait.

Obligation in life often ties you to certain expectations. Moments that obligate your yes intend to further the path of your own will or the will of others. But what if you paused and asked God to free you from obligation? Would you then allow space to be a part of a miracle? Could your no create a space for someone else’s yes? What if your yes facilitates a miracle for others to be blessed?

What motivates your heart…obligation to others or obedience to God?

God is in constant motion through your obedience, and that obedience can create miracles for others. Miracles of favor, blessing and honor.

Jesus’ first miracle was documented in the book of John, Chapter 2. Jesus and his disciples were at a wedding, celebrating the bride and groom. Jesus’ mother had come to him saying, “They have no more wine.” His response seemed blunt, “Woman, why do you involve me? My hour has not come.” If Jesus had performed the miracle at the time of her request, the work of others wouldn’t have been used. Jesus didn’t perform the miracle out of obligation. He was patient through obedience. As Mary saw the need and asked Jesus to intervene…she then had to wait for the miracle. As she waited, she didn’t worry or fret, she prepared the hearts of the others.

Her reply to the servants was this…”Do whatever he tells you.”

And that they did. The servants filled the ceremonial jars full of water. The work they did was not out of obligation to the Master of ceremonies, but because of their obedience to Christ. They filled the jars one by one, not knowing what Jesus was about to do.

Although the servants were not a direct recipient of the blessing, their obedience was an active part of the miracle.

You, too, can be an active part of the blessings for those around you. It takes work. It takes showing up in places that are difficult and filling jars full of water when you’ve prayed for wine. It takes trust and patience to wait to see what God will do with the work you’ve done.

Fill the jar. The miracle is waiting.