Don’t Hesitate: The Power of Immediate Obedience
Psalm 119:60 says, “I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” This verse speaks volumes about the need for swift obedience to God’s Word, and it’s a powerful reminder for us to act immediately when we know what God wants us to do. But in our world of endless decisions, how do we discern when to wait and when to act without hesitation?
Things You Shouldn’t Hesitate Over
There are, of course, moments in life where it’s important to step back and take your time. For example, when making larger purchases or significant life decisions, it’s wise to sleep on it and weigh the pros and cons. Never allow your emotions to drive decisions—especially when there’s a cost to be considered.
But then, there are moments where you shouldn’t hesitate. The commands of God should never be delayed. Anything His Word instructs us to do, we must do immediately, without hesitation.
In Romans 13:11-14, Paul urges us to be aware of the urgency of the times:
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep… for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed… Let us walk honestly, as in the day… but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
Hesitation gives the enemy a foothold. It creates space for the devil to whisper, leading us to delay long enough that we may never act at all. Indecision is dangerous because it allows us to stay stagnant and uncommitted.
Act Without Delay
Psalm 119:60 (NLT) says, “I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.” This urgency should reflect in our daily walk with God. As Charles Spurgeon wisely put it, “Speed in repentance and speed in obedience are two excellent things. We are too often in haste to sin; O that we may be in a greater hurry to obey.”
There Are Some Things You Don’t Need to Pray About
Some acts of obedience are not up for debate. Repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit are clear commands from God that we must not hesitate to obey.
- Repentance: Acts 3:19 tells us, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.””
- Water Baptism: Acts 10:48 says, “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.”
- Spirit Baptism: Acts 2:38 assures us, “… and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
When it comes to the gospel and your relationship with God, don’t delay. Hesitation can steal the miracle waiting for you. The worst thing you can do is wait. Your miracle is waiting on you to act—waiting for you to step out of your comfort zone and into the impossible.
What Miracle Are You Waiting For?
Consider the stories of Zacchaeus in Luke 19, who climbed a tree to get Jesus’ attention, and the paralyzed man in Mark 2, who was lowered through a rooftop to reach Jesus. In both situations, hesitation wasn’t an option—they moved quickly.
What about you? What “tree” do you need to climb? What “roof” do you need to break through to receive your miracle? When it comes to your breakthrough, hesitation cannot be in your vocabulary.
Abraham’s Faith and Immediate Obedience
Perhaps the most powerful example of quick obedience comes from Abraham. In Genesis 22:1-14, God told Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Without hesitation, Abraham rose early, gathered what he needed, and set out to obey God’s command. Even when Isaac questioned where the lamb was for the sacrifice, Abraham responded, “God will provide himself a lamb.”
Abraham didn’t hesitate. He followed through on the command God had given, and because of his swift obedience, God provided a ram in place of Isaac. If Abraham had hesitated, he would have missed out on the greater miracle—his son’s life being spared.
The Bottom Line
There are times when waiting and discerning are necessary, but when it comes to obeying God, hesitation should never be part of the equation. God’s commands are clear, and He is calling us to act swiftly in obedience. Whether it’s in receiving salvation, pursuing a miracle, or simply following His Word, delayed obedience is disobedience.
Let us make haste in obeying His commands, for it’s in that moment of immediate obedience that we position ourselves for the miracles God has prepared for us.
