When Knowing Isn't Obeying

New Life Church
Jan 26
2 min read

Scripture:

Jeremiah 38–39

2 Kings 24:18–25:7

Take some time today to read about King Zedekiah. King Zedekiah’s story reveals a sobering truth: knowing God’s will is not the same as obeying it.

Zedekiah did not lack access to God’s voice. The prophet Jeremiah spoke clearly and consistently, warning the king of what would happen if he refused to surrender to Babylon. God’s instruction was not confusing; it was costly. And that cost is where Zedekiah hesitated.

He sought God’s word in private but lacked the courage to act on it in public. He feared God, yet he feared the opinions of people more. Instead of leading with obedience, he attempted to manage pressure, preserve his position, and delay a decision that required humility and trust.

Zedekiah’s failure was not rebellion; it was compromise. It was disobedience. He stood at a moment where obedience demanded surrender. But partial obedience is still disobedience, and delayed obedience often turns into irreversible loss. By the time Zedekiah acted, the opportunity for mercy had passed.

What he tried to protect, ultimately, he lost. Jerusalem fell. His sons were executed right before his eyes, and then his sight was taken from him. The last thing he ever saw was the consequence of refusing to act when God had already spoken.

As God's sons & daughters, let us allow Zedekiah’s life to serve as a warning and an invitation. God speaks to us to guide, to protect, and to redeem. But His word requires a response. Silence, hesitation, and compromise carry weighty consequences just as heavy as outright disobedience.

I trust today’s message challenges us to examine our own hearts. Where have we heard God clearly but chosen comfort over obedience? Where have we delayed action while hoping circumstances would change?

The question is no longer, “Do I know what God is saying?”

The real question is, “Am I willing to obey it?”

Prayer:

Father, I acknowledge that there have been moments when I knew Your Will but delayed my obedience. Forgive me for every time I chose comfort over conviction, silence over surrender, and fear of people over fear of You. I do not want to be a hearer of Your word without becoming a doer of it. Give me a heart that responds quickly and fully when You speak. Remove every trace of compromise, hesitation, and double-mindedness. Strengthen my courage to obey You publicly, not just privately. I trust that Your instructions are not meant to harm me, but to preserve me, lead me, and bring life. Today I choose obedience over approval. I choose surrender over control. I choose faith over fear. Align my heart with Your will, and give me the grace to act when You speak, without delay and without excuse. I SAY YES!!!