Have you ever done something “good” even though you knew it wasn’t exactly what was asked of you? Maybe you volunteered for an extra shift at church instead of having that hard conversation God put on your heart. Or maybe you donated to a cause when, deep down, you knew God was asking you to forgive someone instead.
In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul does something like that. God gave him a very specific command, but Saul chose to tweak it, claiming he’d made the change so he could offer a bigger, better sacrifice. Sounds holy, right? But God wasn’t impressed. Through the prophet Samuel, He reminds Saul—and us—that He doesn’t want grand gestures. He wants our hearts.
Obedience might not always feel dramatic or Instagram-worthy. Sometimes it looks like staying quiet when you want to argue, apologizing first or saying no to something that seems good so you can say yes to what’s right.
Sister, don’t get caught up in trying to make your faith (and your life) look a certain way. God’s not keeping score of your sacrifices—He’s looking for your trust. When we obey, even in the little things, we’re saying, “God, I believe You know best.”
So what’s that one thing He’s been nudging you about lately? A conversation? A change? A step forward (or a step back)? Whatever it is, lean in with a willing heart. Because obedience isn’t about perfection—it’s about love.
And that’s what God delights in most.
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