How do I obey God when it's hard?
Obedience isn't always easy - but God gives grace for every step. Discover strength for hard obedience.
20 Bible studies address this question
What the Bible Says
These Bible studies explore Scripture passages that speak to this question. Each study will give you insight and practical application.
Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice
Facing a Philistine threat with dwindling troops, Saul offers the burnt offering instead of waiting for Samuel, resulting in the rejection of his dynasty.
The Anointing, Last Supper, and Gethsemane
A woman anoints Jesus for burial. He shares the Passover with His disciples, institutes the Lord's Supper, predicts Peter's denial, agonizes in Gethsemane, is betrayed by Judas, arrested, tried before...
Signs for Moses
Exodus 4 continues Moses' objections and God's patient provision of signs, Aaron as spokesperson, and Moses' return to Egypt, including a mysterious encounter that nearly costs Moses his life.
Restoration and the Choice of Life
Moses promises restoration after exile, describes the accessibility of God's commands, and calls Israel to choose life over death.
Peter's Confession and the Cost of Discipleship
Jesus warns against the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. At Caesarea Philippi, Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus predicts His death and calls all disciples to...
The Plot, the Anointing, the Betrayal, and Gethsemane
Jesus is anointed at Bethany as religious leaders plot His death and Judas agrees to betray Him. At the Last Supper, Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper and predicts Peter's denial. In Gethsemane, He a...
Ananias and Sapphira and Growing Opposition
Ananias and Sapphira lie to the Holy Spirit about their gift and face sudden judgment. The apostles perform many signs and wonders. They are arrested again but freed by an angel. Before the council, G...
Christ Our High Priest
The author explains the qualifications for high priesthood—being human and divinely appointed—and shows how Jesus meets both requirements, being called by God as a priest in the order of Melchized...
Ahab's Wars with Syria
Ben-hadad of Syria besieges Samaria with arrogant demands. A prophet promises Ahab victory so he will know that 'I am the LORD.' Israel defeats Syria twice, but Ahab spares Ben-hadad's life in exchang...
Israel Oppressed in Egypt
Exodus 1 bridges Genesis to Exodus, showing Israel's explosive growth in Egypt and Pharaoh's increasingly brutal attempts to control them through slavery and genocide.
Circumcision, Passover, and the Commander
Israel is circumcised at Gilgal, celebrates Passover, eats the land's produce, and Joshua encounters the commander of the LORD's army.
Saul Rejected as King
Commanded to destroy the Amalekites completely, Saul spares King Agag and the best livestock. Samuel announces that obedience matters more than sacrifice—Saul is rejected as king.
Naaman Healed of Leprosy
Naaman, the Syrian general with leprosy, comes to Elisha at a servant girl's suggestion. Angered by Elisha's simple instruction to wash in the Jordan, Naaman almost leaves—but his servants persuade ...
Sending Out the Twelve and the Transfiguration
Jesus sends out the twelve apostles to proclaim the kingdom and heal. He feeds five thousand with five loaves and two fish. Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, and Jesus foretells His death. On the m...
Humility, Hospitality, and Counting the Cost
At a Pharisee's dinner, Jesus heals on the Sabbath and teaches about choosing lower seats. He tells the parable of the great banquet, where invited guests make excuses and the host fills his table wit...
A Good Soldier of Christ
Paul calls Timothy to be strong in grace, to entrust the gospel to faithful people, and to endure hardship as a soldier, athlete, and farmer—while handling the word of truth accurately and avoiding ...
Feeding Four Thousand and Peter's Confession
Jesus feeds four thousand, warns against the leaven of the Pharisees, and heals a blind man in two stages. At Caesarea Philippi, Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, but Jesus reveals that the Messiah...
New Tablets and What God Requires
Deuteronomy 10 recounts the making of new covenant tablets, the setting apart of Levites, and summarizes what God requires: fear, love, obedience, circumcised hearts, and care for the vulnerable.
Josiah's Reforms and Death
Josiah leads radical reformation: destroying idols, defiling high places, removing priests, demolishing the altar at Bethel, and celebrating Passover as never before. Yet the LORD's anger against Juda...
If My People Would Only Listen
A festival psalm with God Himself speaking, calling Israel to listen and obey. The contrast between what God offers and what Israel forfeits through stubbornness makes this a powerful call to wholehea...
Still Have Questions?
The Bible has answers for every aspect of life. Keep exploring, or reach out to our pastoral team for personal guidance.