When Obedience Feels Like a Step Back
There’s a version of obedience we love to celebrate:
The big leap of faith.
The clear calling.
The "yes" to something visible, meaningful, and fulfilling.
The moment where the results are tangible and everyone else nods in admiration.
But then there’s the other kind.
The quiet kind.
The kind that looks like stepping away before there’s something to step into.
The kind that feels like losing more than gaining.
The kind that’s difficult to explain—and even harder to get others to agree with.
When Obedience Doesn’t Feel Like Progress
There was a season where I genuinely thought obedience would look like movement. Something big. Something better. Something that “made sense” on paper.
Instead, it felt like stepping backward. Like walking away. Like failure.
And yet, as I’m learning:
Obedience doesn’t always look like progress.
It doesn’t always get applause.
It’s not always visible to the naked eye.
Sometimes, the most transformational “yes” you’ll ever give God… is the one no one sees.
It’s the quiet surrender.
The slow healing you didn’t even know you needed.
The brave decision to trust when it would be easier to perform.
It’s saying yes to rest when you’ve built your worth on productivity.
Yes to silence when you're used to proving your value by speaking.
Yes to becoming whole—even when no one is clapping for it.
The Trap of Performative Faith
Let’s rewind to 1 Samuel 15.
King Saul was given a clear command by God—an act of obedience that was difficult, unpopular, and likely to be misunderstood. But instead of obeying fully, Saul performed partially. He offered up a sacrifice instead of following through with what he was actually told to do.
From the outside, it looked impressive. Spiritual. Even praiseworthy.
But Samuel saw the truth.
And what he said still speaks today:
1 Samuel 15:22
“What is more pleasing to the Lord:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice…
Saul had confused performance with obedience.
And honestly? We’ve all been there.
We show up to church but don’t bring our whole heart.
We check the devotional box but avoid the uncomfortable thing God asked us to do.
We serve out loud but ignore the whisper telling us to forgive in silence.
We make the sacrifice—but miss the obedience.
You're Not Behind—You're Becoming
If you’re in a season where obedience feels like invisibility…
Where the work God is doing is happening below the surface…
Where you’re unsure if it’s even “working”...
You’re not behind.
You’re becoming.
This kind of obedience doesn’t always translate to progress in the world’s eyes. But it’s the kind that roots you. Refines you. And draws you closer to the heart of God.
A Gentle Challenge
What if the most faithful next step you take
…doesn’t look impressive,
…but is obedient?
Ask Him.
Let go of the pressure to be impressive.
And choose the next right yes—especially when it’s hard, hidden, or humbling.
And if you want to hear the messier, real-time version of this in my own journey, I share more in this week’s Table Talk podcast. (Season 2, episode 3.)
But whether you listen or not, I hope you know this:
Obedience counts.
Even the hidden kind.
Especially the hidden kind.
