Obedience shows faith and trust in God. We must obey God, if we are to be fruitful. Without obedience, nothing grows, but God makes it grow. Pride makes men stubborn, but when they realize the futility of their efforts, they are compelled to repent and turn to God.
For God is not one to shorten a matter, or to put an end to it. We cannot do the work of God in this way. Moreover, we consider that whatever we do is from God. Our fathers were to teach us to be subject to discipline, to chasten, to love, to obey God – that God, who is over all, may be glorified and praised.
through faith in the power of God.
Zeal for good works is a great manifestation of faith in God.
A great display of faith and courage enabled David to face and defeat Goliath.
By faith Moses crossed the Red Sea and was healed.
A great demonstration of faith and healing called down fire from heaven on Elijah.
A great display of faith and courage resulted in Daniel’s being thrown into the lions’ pit and coming out unscathed.
By faith these three were rescued from the fiery furnace by the power of God.
A great demonstration of faith and healing was that Christ Jesus died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead on the third day, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
When we confess our faith and courage to the Lord, we confess that we have faith in God. Everywhere the enemy has brought forth cowardice, malice, deceit and immorality. He sees those who fall into it and so remains in darkness. Many fall into his trap, unable to escape because of their cowardice, but the name of Christ Jesus has power to free all who are weary and burdened.
Without faith, obedience is dead. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he has loved us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. We know that he lives in us because he has given us of his Spirit. (1 John 3:21-24) How did he do that?
Be courageous, and may your heart be strong, all you who are hoping in Jehovah.
Wait for the Lord! Be strong! He will give you strength! Wait for the Lord! He will give you courage! (Ps. 27:14) How can we do that?
Behold, the eye of Jehovah is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his loving-kindness; (Psalm 33:18) What a blessing that is!
Strength and knowledge are the fruits of obedience. He that taketh heed to the word shall find mercy; and blessed is he that putteth his trust in Jehovah. Proverbs 16:20, footnote. Therefore, let us draw near to God always, so that we may receive help in time of need. We need obedience, trust, faith and patience.
