Obedience Does Its Own Work

Prayer may feel unproductive in the moment, but obedience can train us to turn toward G‑d when life becomes hard.

During my prayer time this morning, those were the words G‑d spoke to me: Obedience does its own work.

Honestly, I was distracted. I felt pulled toward the tasks I had planned for the day, and sitting there quietly was ha-ard. So when that phrase popped into my mind, I responded with a not-so-internal eye roll.

Doesn’t that sound just like a parent trying to convince you that an odious chore is actually “good for you”? Ugh.

But on my way to the gym, I began thinking about the people who would be there to train for their mini triathlon. And I started to see His point.

They are showing up at Orangetheory not merely because they have discipline, but because they want to train their bodies for something ahead.

Are they doing the exact activities they will face in the triathlon? No. But as they put in the time and dedication now - to lift weights, build endurance, and gain strength - they are preparing themselves for the running, biking, and swimming that race-day will require.

That made me think about my prayer life.

Sitting down every morning, being obedient, and having the discipline to do it is not easy.

Just sitting there does not seem like it would prepare me to face the trials or the difficult people I will encounter in life.

And G‑d does not always speak to me in a way I can recognize. Sometimes I sit there for seven minutes and . . . nothing.

But just like those athletes, I am training for a future race, for a future challenge.

When that day comes, if I have practiced the discipline of seeking G‑d now, perhaps it will be muscle memory by then. Perhaps I will know how to become still and listen for His voice when I need Him most.

You know... G‑d is pretty smart.

He covered everything I have just written in the title of this post: Obedience Does Its Own Work.

Where might G‑d be using a small act of obedience to prepare you for something you cannot yet see?