The Blessings of Obedience
Chapter One: Hearing God’s Voice in Life’s Major Transitions
We give thanks to God for another day and another opportunity to share what He has placed on my heart. I’m deeply grateful and excited to impart this word to you. Let us begin with a word of prayer.
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, I ask for forgiveness of sin and for Your presence as I minister to Your people. Bless these words to be edifying, encouraging, and full of life. May all who hear this message be made better by it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Obedience and Life Transitions
We continue our series, The Blessings of Obedience, by returning to Genesis 12:1 (KJV):
“Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.”
In this verse, God gives Abram a directive that represents a significant life transition—leaving the familiar for the unknown. Many of us face similar defining moments in life. These transitions can include:
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Starting a new job
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Moving to a new city
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Getting married or divorced
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Having a child
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Retiring from work
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Experiencing the loss of a loved one or financial hardship
Each of these changes challenges our comfort zones and requires clarity, courage, and trust in God’s guidance.
My Testimony: Obeying God’s Voice
In 2005, I experienced a calling similar to Abram’s. God instructed me to leave Los Angeles, my home, and move to St. Louis. This wasn’t just a physical move—it was a spiritual transition. It required me to walk by faith, trusting that God had a purpose I could not yet fully see.
When making such life-altering decisions, hearing God’s voice becomes crucial. As believers, our alignment with God’s will helps us walk confidently even when the future is unclear. John 10:27 (KJV) reminds us:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
I was not new to hearing God’s voice. Years of daily prayer with my family, decisions in business, and leadership in ministry had trained my ear to discern His direction. Transitions like these are not to be taken lightly or made on impulse. They must be guided by spiritual maturity and consistent fellowship with God.
Why Hearing God’s Voice Is Essential
When facing life’s major crossroads, God’s voice becomes our compass. It brings:
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Spiritual Alignment – Ensuring our decisions line up with God’s purpose.
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Peace in Uncertainty – A divine calm, even when circumstances seem chaotic.
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Confirmation and Reassurance – The confidence that we are on the right path.
Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) declares:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
God’s direction is intentional and purposeful. My move to St. Louis was not random; it was kingdom-directed. I wouldn’t be ministering to you today had I not obeyed God’s call. That obedience unlocked blessings not only for me but for many others.
Finding Peace in Obedience
Peace is one of the greatest confirmations of being in God’s will. When I left Los Angeles with my family, the uncertainties were real. For example, we were completely unprepared for the St. Louis winters—our California wardrobes offered no protection from the cold. Financially, the transition was drastic. I went from earning a six-figure income to receiving a paycheck that startled my wife. She held it up and said, “You used to make this in an hour!”
We laugh about it now, but it was far from funny then. Yet through it all, I had peace—not from the situation, but from knowing I had heard God.
The Israelites faced similar fears when they left Egypt. Despite their miraculous deliverance, they longed for the familiarity of bondage. At the Red Sea, they remembered the comfort of Egypt’s food over the freedom of God’s promise. Like them, we are often tempted to return to what’s familiar instead of trusting the unknown with God.
Discerning God’s Voice and Seeking Wise Counsel
Discerning God’s voice means separating His direction from our desires or others’ opinions. As Proverbs teaches:
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Proverbs 11:14 (KJV): “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
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Proverbs 15:22 (KJV): “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
When hearing from God, wise counsel is invaluable. Spiritual leaders, trusted friends, and mentors help confirm the word and ensure we’re not acting out of emotion or impulse.
Daily prayer, meditation, and time in God’s Word cultivate the sensitivity needed to hear Him clearly. My decision to move impacted not only me but my wife, children, and entire ministry. I was a worship leader, involved in multiple organizations and fellowships in Los Angeles. My obedience disrupted what was, but it opened the door for what God intended.
Conclusion
Hearing and obeying God’s voice during major transitions brings clarity, peace, and purpose. Trusting Him even in uncertainty leads to divine alignment and unimaginable blessings.
6 Key Takeaways
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Major life changes require divine direction to ensure spiritual alignment.
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God’s voice brings peace, even when circumstances are uncertain.
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Prior experience in hearing God equips you for greater obedience.
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Wise counsel and prayer are vital during transitions.
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Obedience may disrupt comfort but unlocks destiny.
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God’s plan always has purpose: “to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).
From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: The Blessings Of Obedience (Part 1), Mar 7, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000698346814&r=16
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