2024 was a challenging year for me. While there were moments I’m truly grateful for—like creating this blog—overall, the year fell short of what I hoped it would be. And if I’m honest, I can only blame myself. I didn’t achieve most of my goals because I allowed spiritual warfare to take control. When life felt stacked against me, I gave up. I shelved the goals I know God placed on my heart. Instead of fighting through, I let spiritual warfare fuel my disobedience. And now, looking back, I regret it.

You might ask, “How did you realize you were living in disobedience?” At first, I didn’t. I told myself, “I’ll get back to what I need to do when I feel like it.” What I didn’t see was that this passive mindset—procrastination disguised as waiting—was the real problem. I wasn’t intentional with my time or actively pursuing my goals. That realization came when I read Exodus 15 and 16.

At this point in the story, the Israelites had just left Egypt and entered the Desert of Sin. In Exodus 15:25-26, God said:

“There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test. He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.’”

God’s instructions followed in Exodus 16:4-5:

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day, they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.’”

Despite these clear instructions, some Israelites failed the test. Reflecting on this passage, I asked myself: Have I failed my own test? God rescued the Israelites from Egypt, and all He asked was for them to follow simple instructions. Yet, they didn’t. God has delivered me from so much, but when He gave me instructions, I ignored them too. What makes me any different from the Israelites? Nothing. We share the same disobedience. I failed my test. Once I realized that, I prayed and repented.

As Christians, we know God answers our prayers. Many of us are living in blessings we once prayed for—I know I am, and I’m deeply grateful. But here’s the hard question: Do we always answer when God calls us? The truth is, many of us struggle to respond.

Why We Don’t Answer God’s Call

There are many reasons why we might ignore God’s call, including:

• Feeling unqualified
• Impatience
• Fear or lack of faith
• Spiritual warfare

I’ve faced all of these at one point or another, as I shared earlier.

Moving Forward in Obedience

In 2025, I want to challenge myself—and encourage you—to emulate Abraham’s obedience to God. When God gave Abraham instructions, he didn’t hesitate. God blessed Abraham with a son, Isaac, and then tested him by asking him to sacrifice that very blessing. Without delay or questioning, Abraham followed God’s command. At the last moment, an angel of God stopped him, but Abraham’s unwavering obedience showed that nothing—not even God’s blessings—distracted him from putting God first.

I want to move like Abraham—to follow every instruction from God with trust and without hesitation. Most importantly, I don’t want my past blessings to become idols that pull me away from God. Obedience must always come first.

Remember, you serve a loving and powerful God. He will never mislead or harm you. Trust Him. Follow His instructions daily. And if you face resistance, pray harder and push through. Let this year reflect the faithfulness of God in your life, and let your obedience open the door to His favor.

Reflection

Has God placed plans or instructions on your heart? Are you hesitant to pursue them? Reflect on this message. Write down the steps you feel God is calling you to take and commit to one small action this week. Pray for clarity and courage, and trust that He will guide you.

You’ve got this!