I have realized something important:
True obedience to God involves more than outward actions—it’s about transforming the
attitudes of our hearts.
Obeying God is not just about acting concretely, that is, doing in actions what God calls us to
do. For example, if we experience God speaking to us to give a certain amount of money to
someone or to go out as a missionary, that is what one might perhaps call external obedience:
something we do concretely.
If there is an external obedience, there is an internal obedience—an obedience of the heart to
what God, through His Word and Jesus, says about our attitudes, motives, and relationships.
This obedience is not visible on the outside, but in the hidden room of the heart, where it is
just you and Jesus. But it will become visible on the outside in the same way that a tree bears
fruit – you don’t see the fruit as long as it is just a seed.
Unchecked attitudes that do not resonate with the Holy Spirit can subtly take hold of our
disappointment and unforgiveness, often without our awareness.
When God begins to speak to us about something that He wants to lead us into, and we are
right there—in that process of preparation—the path is not always easy. At this point, we may
find that both circumstances and people suddenly turn against us. As God continues to work
in our lives and our longing for Him grows stronger because His love draws us, moving
forward with God rather than stagnating becomes visible in the spirit world. Consequently, the
evil one begins to actively attack us in different areas of our lives.
And now to come to my discovery: God uses this resistance for our sanctification, to free us
from things in our lives that hinder our freedom. God wants us to be vessels filled with His
Glory and power. The Kingdom of God consists of Righteousness, peace, and joy. When we
have a longing for God, we take His Word seriously.
Reflecting on this, I ask: Who doesn’t want peace and joy? Who wants a heart full of old
wounds, fear, and self-pity—“thieves” trying to steal what God offers in Jesus?
I have discovered that what Jesus says in the Gospels about the attitude of our heart leads to
life and healing – when we really let what Jesus says shape us, no matter how hard it may be.
But if we want to go on with Jesus, this is the only way. God’s Word stands firm, and we will
grow into Christlikeness. It is also grace, because this process means that something
wonderful awaits us later. Freedom, peace, and joy on the inside, a stable foundation that
carries through everything.
I have, of course, been in this wrestling match myself; otherwise I would not be able to write
about it. Although I sometimes fall into self-pity, often for the most childish reasons, I get up
faster each time. Truly, God has great patience with me!
All of this shows that the entire Word of God teaches us a heart attitude and a way of life that
leads us into freedom and prosperity:
My son, do not forget what I have taught you, but keep my commandments in your heart.
Long life, peace, and prosperity will come to you. May goodness and truth be with you. Bind
them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. (Prov. 3:1-3)
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom. 12:17-21)
Above all else, guard your heart, for from it flow the issues of life. (Prov 4:23)
LIFE! Life and life to the full!
In conclusion, what God does in our lives is good – even if it doesn’t feel like it at the
moment – and leads to good. All things work together for the best for those who love God.