How Simple Obedience Transforms Our Lives

Audio By Carbonatix

Looking back over two decades of walking with the Lord through ministry, writing, and raising a large family, I’m constantly amazed by how God directs our steps.

Many years ago, I came across a beautiful prayer by Peter Marshall, chaplain of the United States Senate in the 1940s, recorded in the book Mr. Jones, Meet Your Master:

Those words—“when God wants us to do or not to do any particular thing, God finds a way of letting us know”—have served as a guiding light throughout my life.

I was first reminded of that prayer years ago after watching the film End of the Spear, which told the story of the five young missionaries—Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Roger Youderian—who gave their lives in 1956 to reach the Waodani people in the Amazon jungle. When those men stepped onto that sandbar, they simply wanted to share the love of Jesus with a single isolated group. They had no idea that decades later, millions of people around the world would still be moved to tears and inspired to deeper faith by their sacrifice.

They were obedient in the small step. God took care of the reach.

Listening for the Gentle Nudge

Over the years, I’ve learned that God often speaks in gentle nudges rather than loud alarms. Sometimes He places a burden or an idea on your heart, and try as you might, you simply cannot shake it.

I remember a season over twenty years ago when my schedule was completely full. I had book deadlines, speaking events to prepare for, and my kids to care for and homeschool. Yet during that busy season, God kept placing an overwhelming weight on my heart to write a book specifically equipping Generation X parents. Everything in my natural mind said, Now is not the time. You are already overwhelmed.

But the Holy Spirit wouldn’t let the thought rest.

I decided to stop overthinking and simply obey. Within a month, I wrote and submitted the proposal. Within two months, publishers were expressing interest. By that fall, Multnomah offered a contract, and a year later, that book was on store shelves.

Looking back now, after decades of seeing how God used that project to touch families—and how He has guided dozens of books, adoption journeys, and ministry turns since then—I am reminded of a fundamental truth: Our job is obedience; God’s job is the outcome.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." — Proverbs 3:5-6

What Makes It Hard to Follow His Lead?

Why do we hesitate when we feel God asking us to step out—or asking us to step back?

Usually, it comes down to two things: fear of the outcome and the weight of our current schedule.

• We worry: What if I fail? What if people misunderstand me? What if I misheard God?
• Or we look at our already packed days—caring for aging parents, tending to our families, carrying emotional burdens—and think: I don’t have the capacity for one more thing.

But biblical obedience doesn’t mean taking on endless tasks in your own strength. Sometimes God’s guidance is an instruction to DO something new. Other times, as Peter Marshall prayed, His guidance is an instruction NOT TO DO something—to lay down a good thing so you can hold onto His best thing.

"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." — Psalm 119:105

A lamp in the ancient world didn’t illuminate the whole highway five miles down the road. It lit up just enough ground for the very next step. God doesn’t always show us the whole 20-year master plan. He simply asks for trust for today’s step.

Step Out with a Surrendered Heart

Whatever season you find yourself in today—whether you’re managing a busy household, navigating family challenges, or caring for aging loved ones—God is still in the business of guiding His children.

If God is placing a quiet prompting on your heart today, here is how you can move forward in peace:

1. Pray for Willingness: Ask God to make your heart willing to follow, even before you know all the details.
2. Take the Immediate Next Step: You don’t need to finish the whole journey today. Just take the single small step of obedience right in front of you.
3. Release the Results: Remind yourself that you aren’t responsible for how God uses your obedience. You are only responsible for saying, “Yes, Lord.”

When we surrender our plans to Him, we don’t have to carry the pressure of manufacturing success. We can rest in the sweet assurance that He who calls us is faithful.

A Prayer for God’s Guidance

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are a loving Shepherd who delights in guiding Your children. Give me the faith to believe that when You want me to step forward—or step back—You will make the path clear. Forgive me for letting fear, busyness, or the desire for control hold me back from simple obedience. Quiet the noise around me so I can hear Your still, small voice. I place my plans, my family, and my future into Your hands today, trusting You with the outcome. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Journal Prompts

• Is there a quiet prompt or direction God has been putting on your heart recently that you’ve been hesitating to follow?
• What is one expectation or fear about the future that you need to surrender to God today?
• Looking back over your life, what is one time when a small act of obedience led to a blessing you didn’t expect?

An Exciting Opportunity

Have you ever dreamed of walking the cobblestone streets of Europe and stepping right into the pages of history? I would love to invite you to join me for a special adventure in August 2027. We are heading to the breathtaking city of Prague!

Writing historical fiction and navigating the homeschool journey has shown me that a beautiful adventure begins when we step into the very places where history was made. 

The 2027 Prague Experience offers three unique paths to fit your heart’s calling:

• The Mission Experience: Serve alongside local ministries and build meaningful relationships within the community.
• The Homeschool Experience: Bring history, literature, culture, and faith to life through immersive education for your family.
• The Leisure Experience: Take in the stunning architecture, enjoy authentic Czech cuisine, and share wonderful fellowship.

We will discover historic landmarks and celebrate a rich Christian heritage together. The itinerary is being finalized right now, and there is no obligation to simply learn more.

Join the priority list today to receive early registration opportunities, pricing details, and special updates directly from me!