THE JOYFUL LIFE
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Blog
    • HEART
      • Faith
      • Bible Study & Theology
      • Marriage
      • Motherhood
        • Motherhood (ALL)
        • Parenting Toddlers to Tweens
        • Parenting Teens
        • Parenting Adult Children
        • Raising Boys
        • Raising Girls
      • Divorce | Single Motherhood | Blended Families
      • Adoption & Foster Care
      • Infertility & Miscarriage
      • Friendship & Community
    • HOME
      • DIY Projects
      • Family & Home Management
      • Fun for Kids
      • Homemaking
      • Homeschool
      • Hospitality
      • Recipes
    • LIFE ISSUES
      • Anxiety
      • Difficult Family Dynamics
      • Emotions
      • Health
      • Identity & Purpose
      • Loss | Suffering | Grief
      • Work & Life Balance
    • REVIEWS
      • App Reviews
      • Book Reviews
      • Product Reviews
    • FEATURED INTERVIEWS
    • SEASONAL & HOLIDAY
  • Daily Devotions
  • About
    • Meet the Team
      • Management & Staff
      • Editorial Team
      • Blog Contributors
      • Devotion Writers
      • Photographers
    • Statement of Faith
  • Work with Us
    • Write for Us
    • Advertise
    • Employment
  • Contact
  • account
The Joyful Life News
Sign up to receive Joyful Life Community news, weekly blog post updates, shop announcements, and more.
A QUARTERLY COLLECTIBLE | Heart & Home Inspiration
THE JOYFUL LIFE
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Blog
    • HEART
      • Faith
      • Bible Study & Theology
      • Marriage
      • Motherhood
        • Motherhood (ALL)
        • Parenting Toddlers to Tweens
        • Parenting Teens
        • Parenting Adult Children
        • Raising Boys
        • Raising Girls
      • Divorce | Single Motherhood | Blended Families
      • Adoption & Foster Care
      • Infertility & Miscarriage
      • Friendship & Community
    • HOME
      • DIY Projects
      • Family & Home Management
      • Fun for Kids
      • Homemaking
      • Homeschool
      • Hospitality
      • Recipes
    • LIFE ISSUES
      • Anxiety
      • Difficult Family Dynamics
      • Emotions
      • Health
      • Identity & Purpose
      • Loss | Suffering | Grief
      • Work & Life Balance
    • REVIEWS
      • App Reviews
      • Book Reviews
      • Product Reviews
    • FEATURED INTERVIEWS
    • SEASONAL & HOLIDAY
  • Daily Devotions
  • About
    • Meet the Team
      • Management & Staff
      • Editorial Team
      • Blog Contributors
      • Devotion Writers
      • Photographers
    • Statement of Faith
  • Work with Us
    • Write for Us
    • Advertise
    • Employment
  • Contact
  • account
0

Radical Obedience in the New Year

  • Vicki Bentley
  • January 23, 2023
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

My three-year-old has become something of an expert in the art of ‘selective doing’—a term we created to describe her fluctuating willingness to follow our instructions. If she approves of the outcome she will most likely obey without any fuss, but if she doesn’t—well let’s just say it can be quite a process getting her to follow through!

If you’re a parent I’m quite sure you can relate to this on some level! Yet, isn’t it true that even as adults many of us have perfected this art of ‘selective doing’ when it comes to obeying the will of God in our lives?

”I don’t like the sound of that—I think I’ll pass.”

“I can’t take that risk.”

“I’m not equipped.”

Like a child who doesn’t like the sound of what she hears, we simply don’t want to follow through—and so we don’t.

As I’ve been going through my daily reading plan I’ve been challenged by men and women of God who respond to His instructions very differently, countering this ‘selective doing’ phenomenon with radical obedience. They listen and obey—immediately and without hesitation. No matter the command. No matter the cost.

“and Noah did everything just as God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22, NIV).

“When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him” (Matthew 1:24, NIV).

“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38, ESV).

These were no insignificant instructions. Following them took courage and faith. They trusted that these very commands were the result of God’s providential plan, not just for their lives, but for the whole of humanity.

What might this coming year look like if we displayed this kind of radical obedience? Listening and obeying without hesitation or fear—becoming unquestionable doers of God’s word and trusting fully in the One who knows what we need and what must come to pass to fulfill His glorious plan.

I hope this will be the year we all find out.

Person Not Perception

March 31, 2023

The Appearance of Growth

March 30, 2023
« Previous Next »
0
0
0
0
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print
Vicki Bentley

A Scottish native, Vicki now calls Upstate New York home, where she lives with her husband and two young daughters. A writer turned editor, she loves to encourage women to pursue Jesus-centered, joy-filled living in the gloriously hard and wonderful trenches of motherhood. Being part of the Joyful Life team and community is both a blessing and a privilege, providing an opportunity for her to combine her gifts and passions in a unique and special way to speak truth into the hearts and lives of women. In her ‘free’ time Vicki loves to consume books and strong coffee, and get outdoors to enjoy the very varied, yet consistently beautiful seasons of the Northeast. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or on her website.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

TRENDING POSTS
  • benefits of memorizing scripture 1
    Benefits of Memorizing Scripture and 5 Easy Methods to Help You Get Started
  • childrens book about family 2
    Leapin’ Leopards Book Review: New Childrens Book About Family Adventure!
VISIT OUR SHOP
  • The Power of Quiet Bible Study Guide | by Aimee Walker | The Joyful Life POWER OF QUIET | Digital Bible Study
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $12.00
  • Enough Study Guide | Digital | The Joyful Life ENOUGH | Digital Bible Study $12.00
  • Issue 09 | BELIEVE — Digital Version $14.00
Follow Us on Instagram
The Joyful Life News
Sign up to receive Joyful Life Community news, weekly blog post updates, shop announcements, and exclusive offers for our subscribers.

AMAZON AFFILIATE PROGRAM DISCLAIMER | The Joyful Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Every purchase you make through our Amazon affiliate links supports our ministry at no additional cost to you.

  • BLOG
  • SHOP
  • WRITE FOR US
  • EMPLOYMENT
  • ADVERTISE
  • Terms
  • ACCOUNT
  • Contact
© 2022 The Joyful Life Co., LLC
Site Design by Maize Agency

Input your search keywords and press Enter.