When Obedience Feels Like Walking in the Fog

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Obedience to God is rarely simple. It’s not a neat checklist of right and wrong, nor is it a roadmap with every turn clearly marked. More often than not, obedience feels like walking in the fog—moving forward step by step, unable to see too far ahead, yet trusting that God is leading the way.

I constantly find myself processing my choices, asking, Does this align with God’s will? Am I walking in obedience, or am I following my own desires? Yet, even with my best intentions, obedience isn’t always comfortable. It shakes me. It requires faith. It sometimes demands surrender in ways I’m not ready for.

But one thing I’ve learned? Faith is movement. And often, obedience means stepping forward long before the outcome is clear.

Recognizing God’s Voice vs. My Own Desires

One of my biggest struggles has been distinguishing between God’s leading and my own desires. Over time, I’ve noticed a pattern:

• If a choice is easy, comfortable, or safe, it’s often something I want.

• If it requires faith, stretches me, or pushes me into uncertainty, it’s often from God.

When I was job searching, I explored every option—teaching abroad, moving overseas, earning certifications—each one a backup plan, a safe alternative. Meanwhile, a company I had applied to months earlier had completely gone silent. Nine months passed. No word.

Just as I was ready to pursue another direction, that very company called and offered me the job. At the last possible moment, when I had run out of ideas, God moved. Looking back, it was clear—God was teaching me patience, trust, and the reality that His timing is never on my terms.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5

Moving Forward in Faith, Not Fear

Obedience feels risky because it requires surrendering control. That’s why prayer has been my anchor. Whenever I face uncertainty, doubt, or fear, I turn to prayer—not as a last resort, but as the only way forward.

One of my biggest struggles is waiting for a life partner. I sometimes wonder, What if I never get to experience that part of life? What if time runs out? That’s where fear creeps in—whispering doubts, feeding insecurity.

But I’ve learned that fear isn’t from God. The enemy thrives in the unknown, planting doubt where faith should be. And so, whenever fear tempts me to panic, I cling to His promises:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7

I don’t always have the answers, but I do have a God who walks with me—even when the path is unclear.

One thing I’ve learned about obedience? It’s not just about surrender—it’s about discovery. Every time I’ve followed God’s leading, even when it was scary, it led me to something I never expected. Greater peace, deeper joy, and an assurance that I’m exactly where I need to be. Obedience isn’t just about letting go of control—it’s about stepping into something greater than I could have planned for myself.

When I Resist Obedience

Disobedience doesn’t always come in the form of outright rebellion. Sometimes, it’s subtle—staying in a situation that lacks peace, forcing something I want, or ignoring the quiet nudging of the Holy Spirit.

I once entered a relationship that, deep down, I knew wasn’t right. I was forcing something out of my own desire rather than surrendering to God’s plan. But the more I tried to make it work, the more uneasy I felt. God was making it clear: My heart wasn’t in the right place.

I ignored the signs at first, but God spoke through my emotions, my dreams, and even through friends. Eventually, I had to acknowledge the truth—obedience meant letting go.

“When we walk in obedience, we step into alignment with divine purpose. When we resist, we wander.” — Christine Caine

Letting go was painful, but it was God’s protection. At the time, I couldn’t see it—I only felt the loss. But looking back, I realize something important: when God asks us to release something, it’s never to harm us. It’s to free us for something better. Had I clung to my own plans, I would have missed what He truly had in store. Obedience isn’t about losing—it’s about making room for God’s greater purpose.

How Obedience Has Shaped My Life

I sometimes wonder if I’ve been too sheltered. Have I really grown if I haven’t suffered in the ways others have? Do I need trials to mature, or can I learn without them?

It’s a contradiction I wrestle with. I know fire refines gold, and hardship shapes character. But I also know that God allows what is necessary. Sometimes, He shelters. Sometimes, He refines. Either way, He knows exactly what I need.

What I do know is this: I am where I am today because of obedience. Every major step in my life—moving to LA, surrendering relationships, waiting on God’s timing—has required faith. And in every season, God has shown me that He is my shield, my protector, my guide.

“The Lord is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” — Psalm 91:2

Soul Insights

1. Obedience is not about convenience; it often stretches us in ways we never expected.

God’s call to obedience is rarely easy. If anything, it disrupts our comfort. Jesus’ disciples left their jobs, security, and familiarity to follow Him (Matthew 4:19-22). Obedience cost them everything, but it changed their lives.

In my own journey, obedience has meant letting go of control—moving cities without a safety net, waiting in faith rather than forcing my own timeline, and trusting God in areas that make me uncomfortable. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s always been worth it.

2. God’s voice rarely aligns with our comfort zone; His ways require faith, not logic.

I’ve learned that if something requires faith, it’s likely from God. His plans rarely fit neatly into my expectations.

“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.” — Elisabeth Elliot

3. When you resist obedience, your soul feels it—pay attention to the uneasiness.

Disobedience doesn’t always look like defiance—it often feels like a quiet uneasiness. When something isn’t from God, my soul feels restless. That’s how He warns me, nudging me to pay attention.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” — Colossians 3:15

4. Prayer is the bridge between fear and faith—it’s what helps us move forward.

Prayer isn’t just for crisis moments. It’s what helps me step forward, even when I’m scared. I’ve learned that I don’t always need clarity—I just need peace. And often, peace is the answer before the outcome ever arrives.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6

5. God protects us through both shelter and trials—trust that He knows which one you need.

Sometimes God shelters me. Other times, He lets me walk through fire. Both are His love in action.

“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” — Malachi 3:3

Final Thought: The Journey of Obedience

If I had to sum up my journey of obedience, it would be this: God has never failed me.

I look at where I am today, and I realize—I’m living in an answered prayer. There were moments I doubted, moments I wanted to take control, moments I resisted. But every time I trusted God, He led me somewhere better than I could have imagined.

Maybe you’re standing at a crossroads, wondering if obedience is worth the risk. Let me assure you—it is. You may not see the full picture yet, but if God is calling you forward, He is already preparing the way.

Let’s Reflect:

• Have you ever struggled to discern God’s voice from your own desires?

• How has obedience shaped your life and deepened your faith?

• What’s one area where God is calling you to obedience today?

Let’s walk this journey together. Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear how obedience has shaped your walk with God.

Soul Path Insights