“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” | 1 Samuel 15:22

As I sat quietly before the Lord, I began to feel Him highlight the word obedience to my spirit. 1 Samuel says that obedience is better than sacrifice to the Lord. There are many voices clamoring for our attention in this season. The enemy seeks to wear us out, pressuring us to give our “yes” to everyone and everything that comes our way. I feel that the Lord wants to encourage us to get into the secret place more than ever before, for what may have brought forth good fruit in one season may no longer be fruitful. Similarly, many actions and activities are good and godly, but there may not be a grace to complete them in this current season. While it is easy to cling to what is familiar and do what we have always done, it is important for us to hear what the Lord is saying to us in this  given moment.

I sense that there is much change coming as we prepare to enter into the new year, both globally and on a personal level. Your biggest asset will be abiding in the Lord and listening to His voice above all. Man will not always approve of your decisions, or understand the motives behind your actions. However, as you stay humble and obey God above all else, He will cause even your enemies to be at peace with you.

When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him | Proverbs 16:7 

Many are navigating through uncharted waters in this season, as much change is upon us. Be encouraged! All will be well as you listen and obey the Lord—both in the big and small things. He truly has great things in store for His children. Stand firm in your faith, and do not give in to the spirit of fear which seeks to keep you from moving out into all God has for you.

The Lord is training us in this season to walk on the water. As we keep our eyes locked on Him, we will not be overtaken by the waves. Be willing to say “no” to anything the Lord calls you to lay down, and say “yes” to what He is highlighting to you in this time of change, even if it is different than what you may have first perceived it to be. God’s ways are truly higher than ours, and there is blessing in your obedience.