Feb 16, 2026 3 min read Devotions

The Other Side of Surrender

Purpose is not discovered — it is entered through submission. God consistently ties purpose or destiny to obedience before explanation.

Monday mornings are notorious for stirring up dread—work, school, and the long list of demands waiting for us. Recently, I spoke with a friend, a grandmother of four little ones who spent each weekend at her house. At her stage of life, caring for young children was no small task. She admitted she actually looked forward to Mondays, when the house was once again tidy and peaceful. I had to smile—while most people dread Monday’s return, she welcomed it. It made me think about my typical Monday ... do I dread it or welcome it? What about you?

I typically spend Monday mornings revisiting points made during Sunday's sermon. With the first cup of coffee in hand and my laptop ready, thoughts and questions begin to flood. (I don't think my brain knows how to shut off!) For instance, something Pastor said yesterday morning got me thinking, going deeper, digging in, and grasping what was said.

Simple enough! Right? Let's think about this for a minute or two!

The keywords are postponing and obedience. To really understand this quote, let's dig a little deeper.

Postponing

Saul partially obeyed by postponing full obedience.

“Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices. As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…” (1 Samuel 15:22 NASB)

Result? The kingdom was stripped, and purpose was forfeited. Delayed obedience is disguised rebellion.

Jonah didn’t deny God’s command. He delayed it. In Hebrew narrative structure, we see an interesting illustration of the outcome of Jonah’s descent:

Went down to Joppa
Went down into the ship
Went down into the sea

Purpose waits on the other side of surrender.

David obeyed quickly (even imperfectly later), but when confronted, he repented immediately (Psalm 51). Saul defended the delay. David surrendered quickly. Purpose followed humility.

Obedience

Delaying obedience is like standing at the Jordan but refusing to step in. Israel possessed the land only when their feet touched the water (Joshua 3). Purpose often waits for the first obedient step.

Obedience Is Relational, Not Mechanical

It is about hearing the King’s voice and responding. In other words, if we love the Lord, we will strive to be obedient.

Delay Often Masks Fear

Jonah feared Nineveh. Saul feared people. We fear loss of control.

Partial Obedience Is Disobedience

Sacrifice cannot replace surrender.

Purpose Is Unlocked Through Immediate Yes

We can’t step into what God has prepared for us while negotiating with what He already said. Another reason why knowing the Word of God and listening intently to the voice of the Spirit is of paramount importance.

Theological Thoughts

Obedience (šāmaʿ) is covenant loyalty.
Delay reflects divided trust.
Purpose is not discovered — it is entered through submission.
Authority follows alignment.

God consistently ties purpose or destiny to obedience before explanation. We may not know why He's called us to a purpose before we act out of obedience. It may defy our human logic. All He asks is that we obey.

Prayer

Father, it's so easy to put off obedience to Your call to a purpose or destiny. Fear and lack of trust are probably our biggest challenges. Please help us to put ALL our trust in You, be quick to obey, and walk in the fullness of all You have purposed for us. May Jesus alone be glorified through our choice to obey. Amen