We all know the old hymn “Trust and Obey.” Those two words always go together. As we have been discussing this matter of obedience, it might be good to think about faith.

Faith involves action. The ordinary people in Hebrews 11 are only there because they did what God asked them to do. They were not “super saints.” They, too, felt inadequate, overwhelmed, and not qualified to do what God asked them to do. Just like for us, disobedience was a real option.

Obedience to God: Noah’s Story

“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.” -Hebrews 11:7

God said to Noah, “‘I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark of cypress wood … (Genesis 6:13-14a).’” At that time, Noah may have never seen rain. He could’ve easily said, “No. I’ll look crazy!” But he obeyed anyway.

You can think of all the “what ifs,” but they will steal the joy of saying “Yes, Lord” to God’s instructions.

If I were Noah, I would probably think, What if I don’t have enough trees to cut down? What if I got the boat done and no animals came? What if I do this and God doesn’t send the rain? I’ll look like a fool.

But the passage says, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him (Genesis 6:22).” He didn’t have a lot to go on except God’s promise. We speak of Noah today because he cut down trees and started building the ark, and God did His supernatural part.

Obedience to God: Abraham’s Journey

And what about Abraham?

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” -Hebrews 11:8

All settled in, great business, successful and good family ties. All of a sudden God said, “‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you (Genesis 12:1).’”

And Abraham obeyed. He fought through the “if only” thoughts that came to him: If only I could serve you where I live. What if I go, risk it all, and God never speaks to me again? Lord, this is too risky.

His feelings were no different than ours would have been, but he obeyed. He was probably scared to death as he left all his contacts, family, and business opportunities to trust God.

The Rewards of Obedience to God

Do you think Noah and Abraham would tell us today that it was worth it, wondering if God would come through, risking everything? Would they tell us that it was worth it? Of course!

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” -Romans 12:1-2

Our lives are to be a living sacrifice—proving that God’s will is good, perfect, and trustworthy. We have to sacrifice in faith to point the world to Jesus.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds … .” -Hebrews 10:24

Brothers and sisters, let’s encourage one another to obey the Lord in faith each day.

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